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James JG, McCall NM, Hsu AI, Oswell CS, Salimando GJ, Mahmood M, Wooldridge LM, Wachira M, Jo A, Sandoval Ortega RA, Wojick JA, Beattie K, Farinas SA, Chehimi SN, Rodrigues A, Ejoh LSL, Kimmey BA, Lo E, Azouz G, Vasquez JJ, Banghart MR, Creasy KT, Beier KT, Ramakrishnan C, Crist RC, Reiner BC, Deisseroth K, Yttri EA, Corder G. Mimicking opioid analgesia in cortical pain circuits. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.26.591113. [PMID: 38746090 PMCID: PMC11092437 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.26.591113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The anterior cingulate cortex plays a pivotal role in the cognitive and affective aspects of pain perception. Both endogenous and exogenous opioid signaling within the cingulate mitigate cortical nociception, reducing pain unpleasantness. However, the specific functional and molecular identities of cells mediating opioid analgesia in the cingulate remain elusive. Given the complexity of pain as a sensory and emotional experience, and the richness of ethological pain-related behaviors, we developed a standardized, deep-learning platform for deconstructing the behavior dynamics associated with the affective component of pain in mice-LUPE (Light aUtomated Pain Evaluator). LUPE removes human bias in behavior quantification and accelerated analysis from weeks to hours, which we leveraged to discover that morphine altered attentional and motivational pain behaviors akin to affective analgesia in humans. Through activity-dependent genetics and single-nuclei RNA sequencing, we identified specific ensembles of nociceptive cingulate neuron-types expressing mu-opioid receptors. Tuning receptor expression in these cells bidirectionally modulated morphine analgesia. Moreover, we employed a synthetic opioid receptor promoter-driven approach for cell-type specific optical and chemical genetic viral therapies to mimic morphine's pain-relieving effects in the cingulate, without reinforcement. This approach offers a novel strategy for precision pain management by targeting a key nociceptive cortical circuit with on-demand, non-addictive, and effective analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin G. James
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nora M. McCall
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alex I. Hsu
- Dept. of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, School of Nursing, and Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Corinna S. Oswell
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gregory J. Salimando
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Malaika Mahmood
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lisa M. Wooldridge
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Meghan Wachira
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adrienne Jo
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Jessica A. Wojick
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Katherine Beattie
- Dept. of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sofia A. Farinas
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Samar N. Chehimi
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amrith Rodrigues
- Dept. of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lind-say L. Ejoh
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Blake A. Kimmey
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emily Lo
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ghalia Azouz
- Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jose J. Vasquez
- Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Matthew R. Banghart
- Dept. of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kate Townsend Creasy
- Dept. of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, School of Nursing, and Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kevin T. Beier
- Dept. of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | - Richard C. Crist
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Benjamin C. Reiner
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- CNC Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Dept. of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Dept. of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eric A. Yttri
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gregory Corder
- Dept. of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Dept. of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Dept. of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Li L, Ru Q, Lu Y, Fang X, Chen G, Saifullah AB, Yao C, Tolias KF. Tiam1 coordinates synaptic structural and functional plasticity underpinning the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain. Neuron 2023; 111:2038-2050.e6. [PMID: 37146610 PMCID: PMC10330505 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a common, debilitating chronic pain condition caused by damage or a disease affecting the somatosensory nervous system. Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain is critical for developing new therapeutic strategies to treat chronic pain effectively. Tiam1 is a Rac1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that promotes dendritic and synaptic growth during hippocampal development by inducing actin cytoskeletal remodeling. Here, using multiple neuropathic pain animal models, we show that Tiam1 coordinates synaptic structural and functional plasticity in the spinal dorsal horn via actin cytoskeleton reorganization and synaptic NMDAR stabilization and that these actions are essential for the initiation, transition, and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Furthermore, an antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) targeting spinal Tiam1 persistently alleviate neuropathic pain sensitivity. Our findings suggest that Tiam1-coordinated synaptic functional and structural plasticity underlies the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain and that intervention of Tiam1-mediated maladaptive synaptic plasticity has long-lasting consequences in neuropathic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35025, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Qin Ru
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Health and Kinesiology, School of Physical Education, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Yungang Lu
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pain Medicine, Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine Division, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xing Fang
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Guanxing Chen
- Department of Pain Medicine, Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine Division, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ali Bin Saifullah
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Changqun Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35025, USA
| | - Kimberley F Tolias
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Hu Y, Zhu Y, Wen X, Zeng F, Feng Y, Xu Z, Xu F, Wang J. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation regulates neuroinflammation, relieves hyperalgesia and reverses despair-like behaviour in chronic constriction injury rats. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:4930-4947. [PMID: 35895439 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) could effectively relieve the pain and depression in neuropathic pain (NP) patients. However, the specific treatment parameters and exact mechanism are still unclear. Our purpose is to observe the effects of rTMS on pain and despair-like behaviour in chronic constriction injury (CCI) rats and explore its possible mechanism. Thirty-two 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham operation group (S, n = 8), CCI group (n = 8), 1 Hz-rTMS group (n = 8) and 10 Hz-rTMS group (n = 8). The rTMS was applied to the left dorsal anterior agranular insular (AId) 1 week after the operation, once a day, 5 days/week for 4 consecutive weeks. Mechanical hyperalgesia, despair-like behaviours and sciatic nerve function were used to evaluate the effects of rTMS. Besides, glucose metabolism, the metabotropic glutamate receptors 5 (mGluR5), N-Methyl-D-Aspartic acid receptor type 2B (NMDAR2B), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (Ll-6) and interleukin-1β (Ll-1β) in AId were tested to explore the possible mechanism. Compared with 1 Hz-rTMS, the rats of 10 Hz-rTMS had higher the mechanical hyperalgesia, higher sugar preference and shorter swimming immobility time. Besides, the expressions of mGluR5, NMDAR2B, TNF-α, Ll-1β and Ll-6 both in 1 Hz-rTMS and 10 Hz-rTMS groups were reduced compared with the CCI group; the 10 Hz-rTMS group had a more decrease than that of 1 Hz-rTMS. Furthermore, the [18]F-FDG uptake was lower than that in the 1 Hz-rTMS group. Compared with 1 Hz-rTMS, 10 Hz-rTMS could more effectively relieve mechanical hyperalgesia and reverse despair-like behaviour in rats. The mechanism could be related to regulating mGluR5/NMDAR2B-related inflammatory signalling pathways in the AId.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yuanliang Zhu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xin Wen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Fanshuo Zeng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yue Feng
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhangyu Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Fangyuan Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jianxiong Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China.,Laboratory of Neurological Diseases and Brain Function, Luzhou, China
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Pain hypersensitivity in a pharmacological mouse model of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2114094119. [PMID: 35858441 PMCID: PMC9335339 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2114094119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence suggests that pain hypersensitivity develops in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the mechanisms and neural circuits involved in these interactions remain unknown because of the paucity of studies in animal models. We previously validated a mouse model of ADHD obtained by neonatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injection. Here, we have demonstrated that 6-OHDA mice exhibit a marked sensitization to thermal and mechanical stimuli, suggesting that phenotypes associated with ADHD include increased nociception. Moreover, sensitization to pathological inflammatory stimulus is amplified in 6-OHDA mice as compared to shams. In this ADHD model, spinal dorsal horn neuron hyperexcitability was observed. Furthermore, ADHD-related hyperactivity and anxiety, but not inattention and impulsivity, are worsened in persistent inflammatory conditions. By combining in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, and behavioral analyses, we demonstrated that anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) hyperactivity alters the ACC-posterior insula circuit and triggers changes in spinal networks that underlie nociceptive sensitization. Altogether, our results point to shared mechanisms underlying the comorbidity between ADHD and nociceptive sensitization. This interaction reinforces nociceptive sensitization and hyperactivity, suggesting that overlapping ACC circuits may be targeted to develop better treatments.
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Alrashdi I, Alsubaiyel A, Chan M, Battell EE, Ennaceur A, Nunn MA, Weston-Davies W, Chazot PL, Obara I. Votucalis, a Novel Centrally Sparing Histamine-Binding Protein, Attenuates Histaminergic Itch and Neuropathic Pain in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:846683. [PMID: 35350753 PMCID: PMC8957863 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.846683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Votucalis is a biologically active protein in tick (R. appendiculatus) saliva, which specifically binds histamine with high affinity and, therefore, has the potential to inhibit the host's immunological responses at the feeding site. We hypothesized that scavenging of peripherally released endogenous histamine by Votucalis results in both anti-itch and anti-nociceptive effects. To test this hypothesis, adult male mice were subjected to histaminergic itch, as well as peripheral nerve injury that resulted in neuropathic pain. Thus, we selected models where peripherally released histamine was shown to be a key regulator. In these models, the animals received systemic (intraperitoneal, i.p.) or peripheral transdermal (subcutaneous, s.c. or intraplantar, i.pl.) administrations of Votucalis and itch behavior, as well as mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity, were evaluated. Selective histamine receptor antagonists were used to determine the involvement of histamine receptors in the effects produced by Votucalis. We also used the spontaneous object recognition test to confirm the centrally sparing properties of Votucalis. Our main finding shows that in histamine-dependent itch and neuropathic pain models peripheral (s.c. or i.pl.) administration of Votucalis displayed a longer duration of action for a lower dose range, when compared with Votucalis systemic (i.p.) effects. Stronger anti-itch effect was observed after co-administration of Votucalis (s.c.) and antagonists that inhibited peripheral histamine H1 and H2 receptors as well as central histamine H4 receptors indicating the importance of these histamine receptors in itch. In neuropathic mice, Votucalis produced a potent and complete anti-nociceptive effect on mechanical hypersensitivity, while thermal (heat) hypersensitivity was largely unaffected. Overall, our findings further emphasize the key role for histamine in the regulation of histaminergic itch and chronic neuropathic pain. Given the effectiveness of Votucalis after peripheral transdermal administration, with a lack of central effects, we provide here the first evidence that scavenging of peripherally released histamine by Votucalis may represent a novel therapeutically effective and safe long-term strategy for the management of these refractory health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Alrashdi
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Amal Alsubaiyel
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Michele Chan
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Emma E. Battell
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Abdel Ennaceur
- School of Pharmacy, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Paul L. Chazot
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Ilona Obara
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
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Liu Y, Xu H, Sun G, Vemulapalli B, Jee HJ, Zhang Q, Wang J. Frequency Dependent Electrical Stimulation of PFC and ACC for Acute Pain Treatment in Rats. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2021; 2:728045. [PMID: 35295497 PMCID: PMC8915567 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2021.728045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As pain consists of both sensory and affective components, its management by pharmaceutical agents remains difficult. Alternative forms of neuromodulation, such as electrical stimulation, have been studied in recent years as potential pain treatment options. Although electrical stimulation of the brain has shown promise, more research into stimulation frequency and targets is required to support its clinical applications. Here, we studied the effect that stimulation frequency has on pain modulation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in acute pain models in rats. We found that low-frequency stimulation in the prelimbic region of the PFC (PL-PFC) provides reduction of sensory and affective pain components. Meanwhile, high-frequency stimulation of the ACC, a region involved in processing pain affect, reduces pain aversive behaviors. Our results demonstrate that frequency-dependent neuromodulation of the PFC or ACC has the potential for pain modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaling Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Helen Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Guanghao Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Interdisciplinary Pain Research Program, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Bharat Vemulapalli
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hyun Jung Jee
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Qiaosheng Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Interdisciplinary Pain Research Program, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Qiaosheng Zhang
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Interdisciplinary Pain Research Program, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Neuroscience & Physiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Neuroscience Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Jing Wang
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7
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Ramírez-López A, Pastor A, de la Torre R, La Porta C, Ozaita A, Cabañero D, Maldonado R. Role of the endocannabinoid system in a mouse model of Fragile X undergoing neuropathic pain. Eur J Pain 2021; 25:1316-1328. [PMID: 33619843 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain is a complex condition characterized by sensory, cognitive and affective symptoms that magnify the perception of pain. The underlying pathogenic mechanisms are largely unknown and there is an urgent need for the development of novel medications. The endocannabinoid system modulates pain perception and drugs targeting the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) devoid of psychoactive side effects could emerge as novel analgesics. An interesting model to evaluate the mechanisms underlying resistance to pain is the fragile X mental retardation protein knockout mouse (Fmr1KO), a model of fragile X syndrome that exhibits nociceptive deficits and fails to develop neuropathic pain. METHODS A partial sciatic nerve ligation was performed to wild-type (WT) and Fmr1KO mice having (HzCB2 and Fmr1KO-HzCB2, respectively) or not (WT and Fmr1KO mice) a partial deletion of CB2 to investigate the participation of the endocannabinoid system on the pain-resistant phenotype of Fmr1KO mice. RESULTS Nerve injury induced canonical hypersensitivity in WT and HzCB2 mice, whereas this increased pain sensitivity was absent in Fmr1KO mice. Interestingly, Fmr1KO mice partially lacking CB2 lost this protection against neuropathic pain. Similarly, pain-induced depressive-like behaviour was observed in WT, HzCB2 and Fmr1KO-HzCB2 mice, but not in Fmr1KO littermates. Nerve injury evoked different alterations in WT and Fmr1KO mice at spinal and supra-spinal levels that correlated with these nociceptive and emotional alterations. CONCLUSIONS This work shows that CB2 is necessary for the protection against neuropathic pain observed in Fmr1KO mice, raising the interest in targeting this receptor for the treatment of neuropathic pain. SIGNIFICANCE Neuropathic pain is a complex chronic pain condition and current treatments are limited by the lack of efficacy and the incidence of important side effects. Our findings show that the pain-resistant phenotype of Fmr1KO mice against nociceptive and emotional manifestations triggered by persistent nerve damage requires the participation of the cannabinoid receptor CB2, raising the interest in targeting this receptor for neuropathic pain treatment. Additional multidisciplinary studies more closely related to human pain experience should be conducted to explore the potential use of cannabinoids as adequate analgesic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Ramírez-López
- Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni Pastor
- IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Carmen La Porta
- Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrés Ozaita
- Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Cabañero
- Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Maldonado
- Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB), University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
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Talay RS, Liu Y, Michael M, Li A, Friesner ID, Zeng F, Sun G, Chen ZS, Zhang Q, Wang J. Pharmacological restoration of anti-nociceptive functions in the prefrontal cortex relieves chronic pain. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 201:102001. [PMID: 33545233 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2021.102001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain affects one in four adults, and effective non-sedating and non-addictive treatments are urgently needed. Chronic pain causes maladaptive changes in the cerebral cortex, which can lead to impaired endogenous nociceptive processing. However, it is not yet clear if drugs that restore endogenous cortical regulation could provide an effective therapeutic strategy for chronic pain. Here, we studied the nociceptive response of neurons in the prelimbic region of the prefrontal cortex (PL-PFC) in freely behaving rats using a spared nerve injury (SNI) model of chronic pain, and the impact of AMPAkines, a class of drugs that increase central glutamate signaling, on such response. We found that neurons in the PL-PFC increase their firing rates in response to noxious stimulations; chronic neuropathic pain, however, suppressed this important cortical pain response. Meanwhile, CX546, a well-known AMPAkine, restored the anti-nociceptive response of PL-PFC neurons in the chronic pain condition. In addition, both systemic administration and direct delivery of CX546 into the PL-PFC inhibited symptoms of chronic pain, whereas optogenetic inactivation of the PFC neurons or administration of AMPA receptor antagonists in the PL-PFC blocked the anti-nociceptive effects of CX546. These results indicate that restoration of the endogenous anti-nociceptive functions in the PL-PFC by pharmacological agents such as AMPAkines constitutes a successful strategy to treat chronic neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Talay
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Yaling Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, United States; Department of Pain, The Third Xiangya Hospital and Institute of Pain Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Matthew Michael
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Anna Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Isabel D Friesner
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Fei Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Guanghao Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Zhe Sage Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, United States; Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Qiaosheng Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, United States.
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Care and Pain Medicine, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, United States; Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, United States; Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, United States.
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Persistent Rheb-induced mTORC1 activation in spinal cord neurons induces hypersensitivity in neuropathic pain. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:747. [PMID: 32920594 PMCID: PMC7487067 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02966-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The small GTPase Ras homolog enriched in the brain (Rheb) can activate mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and regulate the growth and cell cycle progression. We investigated the role of Rheb-mediated mTORC1 signaling in neuropathic pain. A chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was dopted. CCI induced obvious spinal Rheb expression and phosphorylation of mTOR, S6, and 4-E-BP1. Blocking mTORC1 signal with rapamycin alleviated the neuropathic pain and restored morphine efficacy in CCI model. Immunofluoresence showed a neuronal co-localization of CCI-induced Rheb and pS6. Rheb knockin mouse showed a similar behavioral phenotype as CCI. In spinal slice recording, CCI increased the firing frequency of neurons expressing HCN channels; inhibition of mTORC1 with rapamycin could reverse the increased spinal neuronal activity in neuropathic pain. Spinal Rheb is induced in neuropathic pain, which in turn active the mTORC1 signaling in CCI. Spinal Rheb-mTOR signal plays an important role in regulation of spinal sensitization in neuropathic pain, and targeting mTOR may give a new strategy for pain management.
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10
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Speltz R, Lunzer MM, Shueb SS, Akgün E, Reed R, Kalyuzhny A, Portoghese PS, Simone DA. The bivalent ligand, MMG22, reduces neuropathic pain after nerve injury without the side effects of traditional opioids. Pain 2020; 161:2041-2057. [PMID: 32345918 PMCID: PMC7606301 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Functional interactions between the mu opioid receptor (MOR) and the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) in pain and analgesia have been well established. MMG22 is a bivalent ligand containing MOR agonist (oxymorphamine) and mGluR5 antagonist (MPEP) pharmacophores tethered by a 22-atom linker. MMG22 has been shown to produce potent analgesia in several models of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain (NP). This study assessed the efficacy of systemic administration of MMG22 at reducing pain behavior in the spared nerve injury (SNI) model of NP in mice, as well as its side-effect profile and abuse potential. MMG22 reduced mechanical hyperalgesia and spontaneous ongoing pain after SNI, with greater potency early (10 days) as compared to late (30 days) after injury. Systemic administration of MMG22 did not induce place preference in naive animals, suggesting absence of abuse liability when compared to traditional opioids. MMG22 also lacked the central locomotor, respiratory, and anxiolytic side effects of its monomeric pharmacophores. Evaluation of mRNA expression showed the transcripts for both receptors were colocalized in cells in the dorsal horn of the lumbar spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia. Thus, MMG22 reduces hyperalgesia after injury in the SNI model of NP without the typical centrally mediated side effects associated with traditional opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Speltz
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Mary M Lunzer
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Sarah S Shueb
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Eyup Akgün
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | | - Alex Kalyuzhny
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Bio-Techne, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Philip S Portoghese
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Donald A Simone
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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11
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Luo L, Huang M, Zhang Y, Wang W, Ma X, Shi H, Worley PF, Kim DK, Fedorovich SV, Jiang W, Xu T. Disabling phosphorylation at the homer ligand of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 alleviates complete Freund's adjuvant-induced inflammatory pain. Neuropharmacology 2020; 170:108046. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Sustained Activity of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor: Homer, Arrestin, and Beyond. Neural Plast 2017; 2017:5125624. [PMID: 29359050 PMCID: PMC5735635 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5125624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
When activated, metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlus) exert long-lasting changes within the glutamatergic synapses. One mechanism is a tonic effect of downstream signal transduction pathways via sustained activation of mGlu itself. Like many other G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), mGlu can exist in a constitutively active state, which persists agonist independently. In this paper, we review the current knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the constitutive activity of group I mGlus. The issues concerning Homer1a mechanism in the constitutive activity of group I mGlus and recent findings regarding the significant role of β-arrestin in sustained GPCR activity are also discussed. We propose that once in a state of sustained activation, the mGlu persistently activates downstream signaling pathways, including various adaptor proteins and kinases, such as β-arrestin and mitogen-activated protein kinases. In turn, these effector molecules bind to or phosphorylate the mGlu C-terminal binding domains and consequently regulate the activation state of the mGlu.
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AMPAkines and morphine provide complementary analgesia. Behav Brain Res 2017; 334:1-5. [PMID: 28734765 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate signaling in the central nervous system is known to play a key role in pain regulation. AMPAkines can enhance glutamate signaling through α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors. previous studies have shown that AMPAkines are effective analgesic agents, and their site of action is likely in the brain. It is not known, however, if AMPAkines can provide complementary analgesia in combination with opioids, the most commonly used analgesics. Here, we show that the co-administration of an AMPAkine with morphine can provide additional analgesia, both in naïve rats and in rats that experience postoperative pain. Furthermore, we show that this AMPAkine can be administered directly into the prefrontal cortex to provide analgesia, and that prefrontal AMPAkine infusion, similar to systemic administration, can provide added pain relief to complement morphine analgesia.
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Immunostaining for Homer reveals the majority of excitatory synapses in laminae I-III of the mouse spinal dorsal horn. Neuroscience 2016; 329:171-81. [PMID: 27185486 PMCID: PMC4915440 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Identifying glutamatergic synapses is important for tracing synaptic circuits. Most proteins at glutamatergic synapses are masked by tissue fixation. Homer can reveal glutamatergic synapses without the need for antigen retrieval.
The spinal dorsal horn processes somatosensory information before conveying it to the brain. The neuronal organization of the dorsal horn is still poorly understood, although recent studies have defined several distinct populations among the interneurons, which account for most of its constituent neurons. All primary afferents, and the great majority of neurons in laminae I–III are glutamatergic, and a major factor limiting our understanding of the synaptic circuitry has been the difficulty in identifying glutamatergic synapses with light microscopy. Although there are numerous potential targets for antibodies, these are difficult to visualize with immunocytochemistry, because of protein cross-linking following tissue fixation. Although this can be overcome by antigen retrieval methods, these lead to difficulty in detecting other antigens. The aim of this study was to test whether the postsynaptic protein Homer can be used to reveal glutamatergic synapses in the dorsal horn. Immunostaining for Homer gave punctate labeling when viewed by confocal microscopy, and this was restricted to synapses at the ultrastructural level. We found that Homer puncta were colocalized with the AMPA receptor GluR2 subunit, but not with the inhibitory synapse-associated protein gephyrin. We also examined several populations of glutamatergic axons and found that most boutons were in contact with at least one Homer punctum. These results suggest that Homer antibodies can be used to reveal the great majority of glutamatergic synapses without antigen retrieval. This will be of considerable value in tracing synaptic circuits, and also in investigating plasticity of glutamatergic synapses in pain states.
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Banerjee A, Luong JA, Ho A, Saib AO, Ploski JE. Overexpression of Homer1a in the basal and lateral amygdala impairs fear conditioning and induces an autism-like social impairment. Mol Autism 2016; 7:16. [PMID: 26929812 PMCID: PMC4770673 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-016-0077-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) represent a heterogeneous group of disorders with a wide range of behavioral impairments including social and communication deficits. Apart from these core symptoms, a significant number of ASD individuals display higher levels of anxiety, and some studies indicate that a subset of ASD individuals have a reduced ability to be fear conditioned. Deciphering the molecular basis of ASD has been considerably challenging and it currently remains poorly understood. In this study we examined the molecular basis of autism-like impairments in an environmentally induced animal model of ASD, where pregnant rats are exposed to the known teratogen, valproic acid (VPA), on day 12.5 of gestation and the subsequent progeny exhibit ASD-like symptoms. We focused our analysis on the basal and lateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA), a region of the brain found to be associated with ASD pathology. Methods We performed whole genome gene expression analysis on the BLA using DNA microarrays to examine differences in gene expression within the amygdala of VPA-exposed animals. We validated one VPA-dysregulated candidate gene (Homer1a) using both quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot. Finally, we overexpressed Homer1a within the basal and lateral amygdala of naïve animals utilizing adeno-associated viruses (AAV) and subsequently examined these animals in a battery of behavioral tests associated with ASD, including auditory fear conditioning, social interaction and open field. Results Our microarray data indicated that Homer1a was one of the genes which exhibited a significant upregulation within the amygdala. We observed an increase in Homer1a messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein in multiple cohorts of VPA-exposed animals indicating that dysregulation of Homer1a levels might underlie some of the symptoms exhibited by VPA-exposed animals. To test this hypothesis, we overexpressed Homer1a within BLA neurons utilizing a viral-mediated approach and found that overexpression of Homer1a impaired auditory fear conditioning and reduced social interaction, while having no influence on open-field behavior. Conclusions This study indicates that dysregulation of amygdala Homer1a might contribute to some autism-like symptoms induced by VPA exposure. These findings are interesting in part because Homer1a influences the functioning of Shank3, metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR5), and Homer1, and these proteins have previously been associated with ASD, indicating that these differing models of ASD may have a similar molecular basis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13229-016-0077-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwesha Banerjee
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, 615 Michael St. WBRB #415, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Jonathan A Luong
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell road, Richardson, TX 75080 USA
| | - Anthony Ho
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell road, Richardson, TX 75080 USA
| | - Aeshah O Saib
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell road, Richardson, TX 75080 USA
| | - Jonathan E Ploski
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell road, Richardson, TX 75080 USA
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Boadas-Vaello P, Castany S, Homs J, Álvarez-Pérez B, Deulofeu M, Verdú E. Neuroplasticity of ascending and descending pathways after somatosensory system injury: reviewing knowledge to identify neuropathic pain therapeutic targets. Spinal Cord 2016; 54:330-40. [DOI: 10.1038/sc.2015.225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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17
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Popiolek-Barczyk K, Mika J. Targeting the Microglial Signaling Pathways: New Insights in the Modulation of Neuropathic Pain. Curr Med Chem 2016; 23:2908-2928. [PMID: 27281131 PMCID: PMC5427777 DOI: 10.2174/0929867323666160607120124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The microglia, once thought only to be supporting cells of the central nervous system (CNS), are now recognized to play essential roles in many pathologies. Many studies within the last decades indicated that the neuro-immune interaction underlies the generation and maintenance of neuropathic pain. Through a large number of receptors and signaling pathways, the microglial cells communicate with neurons, astrocytes and other cells, including those of the immune system. A disturbance or loss of CNS homeostasis causes rapid responses of the microglia, which undergo a multistage activation process. The activated microglia change their cell shapes and gene expression profiles, which induce proliferation, migration, and the production of pro- or antinociceptive factors. The cells release a large number of mediators that can act in a manner detrimental or beneficial to the surrounding cells and can indirectly alter the nociceptive signals. This review discusses the most important microglial intracellular signaling cascades (MAPKs, NF-kB, JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt) that are essential for neuropathic pain development and maintenance. Our objective was to identify new molecular targets that may result in the development of powerful tools to control the signaling associated with neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanna Mika
- Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pain Pharmacology, 12 Smetna Str., 31-343 Krakow, Poland.
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18
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Barker-Haliski M, White HS. Glutamatergic Mechanisms Associated with Seizures and Epilepsy. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2015; 5:a022863. [PMID: 26101204 PMCID: PMC4526718 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a022863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is broadly characterized by aberrant neuronal excitability. Glutamate is the predominant excitatory neurotransmitter in the adult mammalian brain; thus, much of past epilepsy research has attempted to understand the role of glutamate in seizures and epilepsy. Seizures induce elevations in extracellular glutamate, which then contribute to excitotoxic damage. Chronic seizures can alter neuronal and glial expression of glutamate receptors and uptake transporters, further contributing to epileptogenesis. Evidence points to a shared glutamate pathology for epilepsy and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including depression, which is often a comorbidity of epilepsy. Therapies that target glutamatergic neurotransmission are available, but many have met with difficulty because of untoward adverse effects. Better understanding of this system has generated novel therapeutic targets that directly and indirectly modulate glutamatergic signaling. Thus, future efforts to manage the epileptic patient with glutamatergic-centric treatments now hold greater potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Barker-Haliski
- Anticonvulsant Drug Development Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108
| | - H Steve White
- Anticonvulsant Drug Development Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108
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19
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Abstract
Neural circuits that determine the perception and modulation of pain remain poorly understood. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) provides top-down control of sensory and affective processes. While animal and human imaging studies have shown that the PFC is involved in pain regulation, its exact role in pain states remains incompletely understood. A key output target for the PFC is the nucleus accumbens (NAc), an important component of the reward circuitry. Interestingly, recent human imaging studies suggest that the projection from the PFC to the NAc is altered in chronic pain. The function of this corticostriatal projection in pain states, however, is not known. Here we show that optogenetic activation of the PFC produces strong antinociceptive effects in a rat model (spared nerve injury model) of persistent neuropathic pain. PFC activation also reduces the affective symptoms of pain. Furthermore, we show that this pain-relieving function of the PFC is likely mediated by projections to the NAc. Thus, our results support a novel role for corticostriatal circuitry in pain regulation.
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20
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Fei F, Li J, Rao W, Liu W, Chen X, Su N, Wang Y, Fei Z. Upregulation of Homer1a Promoted Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival After Retinal Ischemia and Reperfusion via Interacting with Erk Pathway. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2015; 35:1039-48. [PMID: 25924704 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-015-0198-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Retinal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) is extensively involved in ocular diseases, causing retinal ganglion cell (RGCs) death resulting in visual impairment and blindness. Homer1a is considered as an endogenous neuroprotective protein in traumatic brain injury. However, the roles of Homer1a in RGCs I/R injury have not been elucidated. The present study investigated the changes in expression and effect of Homer1a in RGCs both in vitro and in vivo after I/R injury using Western blot, TUNEL assay, gene interference and overexpression, and gene knockout procedures. The levels of Homer1a and phosphorylated Erk (p-Erk) increased in RGCs and retinas after I/R injury. Upregulation of Homer1a in RGCs after I/R injury decreased the level of p-Erk, and mitigated RGCs apoptosis. Conversely, downregulation of Homer1a increased the level of p-Erk, and augmented RGCs apoptosis. Furthermore, inhibition of the p-ERK reduced RGCs apoptosis, and increased the expression of Homer 1a after I/R injury. Finally, the retinas of Homer1a KO mice treated with I/R injury had significantly less dendrites and RGCs, compared with Homer1a WT mice. These findings demonstrated that Homer1a may contribute to RGCs survival after I/R injury by interacting with Erk pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Fei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 71032, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 15 Changle Xi Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Rao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 15 Changle Xi Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbo Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 15 Changle Xi Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 15 Changle Xi Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Su
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 15 Changle Xi Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yusheng Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 71032, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhou Fei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 15 Changle Xi Road, Xi'an, 710032, People's Republic of China.
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Barker-Haliski ML, Friedman D, French JA, White HS. Disease Modification in Epilepsy: From Animal Models to Clinical Applications. Drugs 2015; 75:749-67. [DOI: 10.1007/s40265-015-0395-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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22
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Kolber BJ. mGluRs Head to Toe in Pain. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 131:281-324. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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23
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Hagenston AM, Simonetti M. Neuronal calcium signaling in chronic pain. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 357:407-26. [PMID: 25012522 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-1942-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Acute physiological pain, the unpleasant sensory response to a noxious stimulus, is essential for animals and humans to avoid potential injury. Pathological pain that persists after the original insult or injury has subsided, however, not only results in individual suffering but also imposes a significant cost on society. Improving treatments for long-lasting pathological pain requires a comprehensive understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying pain perception and the development of pain chronicity. In this review, we aim to highlight some of the major findings related to the involvement of neuronal calcium signaling in the processes that mediate chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Hagenston
- University of Heidelberg, Neurobiology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany,
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24
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Fischer MJM, McNaughton PA. How anchoring proteins shape pain. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 143:316-22. [PMID: 24727631 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cellular responsiveness to external stimuli can be altered by extracellular mediators which activate membrane receptors, in turn signalling to the intracellular space via calcium, cyclic nucleotides, membrane lipids or enzyme activity. These signalling events trigger a cascade leading to an effector which can be a channel, an enzyme or a transcription factor. The effectiveness of these intracellular events is enhanced when they are maintained in close proximity by anchoring proteins, which assemble complexes of signalling molecules such as kinases together with their targets, and in this way enhance both the speed and the precision of intracellular signalling. The A kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) family are adaptor proteins originally named for their ability to associate Protein Kinase A and its targets, but several other enzymes bound by AKAPs have now been found and a wide variety of target structures has been described. This review provides an overview of anchoring proteins involved in pain signalling. The key anchoring proteins and their ion channel targets in primary sensory neurons responding to painful stimuli (nociceptors) are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J M Fischer
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.
| | - Peter A McNaughton
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Research, Hodgkin Building, King's College London, London SE1 1UH, UK
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25
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Fei F, Rao W, Zhang L, Chen BG, Li J, Fei Z, Chen Z. Downregulation of Homer1b/c improves neuronal survival after traumatic neuronal injury. Neuroscience 2014; 267:187-94. [PMID: 24607348 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Revised: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Homer protein, a member of the post-synaptic density protein family, plays an important role in the neuronal synaptic activity and is extensively involved in neurological disorders. The present study investigates the role of Homer1b/c in modulating neuronal survival by using an in vitro traumatic neuronal injury model, which was achieved by using a punch device that consisted of 28 stainless steel blades joined together and produced 28 parallel cuts. Downregulation of Homer1b/c by specific siRNA significantly (p<0.05) alleviated the cytoplasmic calcium levels and neuron lactate dehydrogenase release, and ultimately decreased the apoptotic rate after traumatic neuronal injury compared with non-targeting siRNA control treatment in cultured rat cortical neurons. Moreover, the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1a (mGluR1a) was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in the Homer1b/c siRNA-transfected neurons after injury. Therefore, Homer1b/c not only modulated the mGluR1a-inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptors-Ca(2+) signal transduction pathway, but also regulated the expression of mGluR1a in mechanical neuronal injury. These findings indicate that the suppression of Homer1b/c expression potentially protects neurons from glutamate excitotoxicity after injury and might be an effective intervention target in traumatic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Fei
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - W Rao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - L Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - B-G Chen
- Central Laboratory, Tongji University Affiliated Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai 200120, PR China
| | - J Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Z Fei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China.
| | - Z Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China.
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26
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Parenti C, Marrazzo A, Aricò G, Parenti R, Pasquinucci L, Ronsisvalle S, Ronsisvalle G, Scoto GM. The antagonistic effect of the sigma 1 receptor ligand (+)-MR200 on persistent pain induced by inflammation. Inflamm Res 2014; 63:231-7. [PMID: 24316864 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-013-0692-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Revised: 11/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN The sigma 1 (σ1) receptor, which is widely distributed in the CNS in areas that are known to be important for pain control, may play a role in persistent pain characterized by the hypersensitivity of nociceptive transmission. Here, we investigated the effect of σ1 blockade in an inflammatory pain model. TREATMENT AND METHODS An intraplantar injection of carrageenan (2 %) was used to induce paw inflammation. The effects of the σ1 antagonist (+)-MR200, given subcutaneously at a dose of 0.1, 0.25, 0.5,1, 1.5, and 2 mg/kg prior to injection of carrageenan, on inflammatory pain and inflammation were assessed. Mechanical allodynia with von Frey filaments, thermal hyperalgesia with the plantar test and edema evaluation with a plethysmometer were measured. Intergroup comparisons were assessed by one- or two-way analysis of variance when appropriate, followed by post-hoc tests (Dunnett's test for one-way or Bonferroni for two-way ANOVA). RESULTS (+)-MR200 dose-dependently prevented allodynia and hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan. Furthermore, it reduced paw edema with a significant inhibition percentage of 37.82 % at 3 h after carrageenan treatment. CONCLUSIONS The blockade of the σ1 receptor with the selective antagonist (+)-MR200 may contribute to the suppression of the typical symptoms of inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Parenti
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95125, Catania, Italy
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27
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Spatiotemporal changes in NSF expression of DRG neurons in a rat model of spinal nerve ligation. J Mol Neurosci 2014; 53:645-53. [PMID: 24443234 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-014-0231-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion (NSF) protein is a homohexameric ATPase that binds to the GluR2 subunit of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazoleproprionic acid (AMPA) receptors. The stability and movement of AMPA receptors at synapses are important factors that control synaptic strength. NSF is involved in the surface expression regulation of AMPA receptors and consequently synaptic activity. Reduced expression of NSF or reduced interaction of NSF with GluR2 leads to a number of neurological disorders. Using a rat model of L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL), we investigated the temporal and spatial expression of NSF in injured L5 and uninjured L4 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons during mechanical allodynia. L5 SNL led to a significant decrease of NSF in both L4 and L5 DRGs observed at 3, 7, and 14 days after injury. In particular, NSF expression in calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-immunoreactive (IR) and IB4-IR neurons was reduced, whereas NSF expression in NF-200-IR neurons remained unaltered. These results indicate a role for NSF in CGRP-IR and IB4-IR neurons in SNL, with reduced NSF expression possibly contributing to SNL derived neuropathic pain.
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Yao YX, Zhang YF, Yang Y, Guo SH, Jiang Z, Zhao ZQ. Spinal synaptic scaffolding protein Homer 1b/c regulates CREB phosphorylation and c-fos activation induced by inflammatory pain in rats. Neurosci Lett 2013; 559:88-93. [PMID: 24316406 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.11.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that spinal Homer 1b/c plays an important role in the maintenance of chronic inflammatory pain induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). This study investigated the possible mechanism underlying Homer 1b/c mediating CFA-induced inflammatory pain. Chronic inflammation was induced by CFA injection into the left hind ankle of the rat. Homer 1b/c antisense or missense oligonucleotides were administered intrathecally (10μg/10μl) from 5 to 8 days following the onset of inflammation. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to detect the expression of phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB) and Fos protein in the spinal dorsal horn. Intrathecal administration of Homer 1b/c antisense oligonucleotides not only markedly reduced the expression of Homer 1b/c protein, but also attenuated CFA-induced inflammation, spinal CREB phosphorylation, and Fos expression. These results demonstrate for the first time that Homer 1b/c regulates CREB phosphorylation and c-fos activation in the spinal dorsal horn during the maintenance of chronic inflammatory pain, suggesting that Homer 1b/c may be involved in the development of CFA-induced inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Xing Yao
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Feng Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shao-Hui Guo
- Department of Anesthesia, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Jiang
- Department of Anesthesia, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Qi Zhao
- Institute of Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Obara I, Goulding SP, Gould AT, Lominac KD, Hu JH, Zhang PW, von Jonquieres G, Dehoff M, Xiao B, Seeburg PH, Worley PF, Klugmann M, Szumlinski KK. Homers at the Interface between Reward and Pain. Front Psychiatry 2013; 4:39. [PMID: 23761764 PMCID: PMC3675508 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain alters opioid reinforcement, presumably via neuroadaptations within ascending pain pathways interacting with the limbic system. Nerve injury increases expression of glutamate receptors and their associated Homer scaffolding proteins throughout the pain processing pathway. Homer proteins, and their associated glutamate receptors, regulate behavioral sensitivity to various addictive drugs. Thus, we investigated a potential role for Homers in the interactions between pain and drug reward in mice. Chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve elevated Homer1b/c and/or Homer2a/b expression within all mesolimbic structures examined and for the most part, the Homer increases coincided with elevated mGluR5, GluN2A/B, and the activational state of various down-stream kinases. Behaviorally, CCI mice showed pain hypersensitivity and a conditioned place-aversion (CPA) at a low heroin dose that supported conditioned place-preference (CPP) in naïve controls. Null mutations of Homer1a, Homer1, and Homer2, as well as transgenic disruption of mGluR5-Homer interactions, either attenuated or completely blocked low-dose heroin CPP, and none of the CCI mutant strains exhibited heroin-induced CPA. However, heroin CPP did not depend upon full Homer1c expression within the nucleus accumbens (NAC), as CPP occurred in controls infused locally with small hairpin RNA-Homer1c, although intra-NAC and/or intrathecal cDNA-Homer1c, -Homer1a, and -Homer2b infusions (to best mimic CCI's effects) were sufficient to blunt heroin CPP in uninjured mice. However, arguing against a simple role for CCI-induced increases in either spinal or NAC Homer expression for heroin CPA, cDNA infusion of our various cDNA constructs either did not affect (intrathecal) or attenuated (NAC) heroin CPA. Together, these data implicate increases in glutamate receptor/Homer/kinase activity within limbic structures, perhaps outside the NAC, as possibly critical for switching the incentive motivational properties of heroin following nerve injury, which has relevance for opioid psychopharmacology in individuals suffering from neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Obara
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California at Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA, USA ; School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Health, Queen's Campus, University of Durham Stockton on Tees, UK
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