Differential modulatory roles of cholera toxin and pertussis toxin in the regulation of pain responses induced by excitatory amino acids administered intrathecally in mice

Effect of cholera toxin administered supraspinally or spinally on the blood glucose level in pain and d-glucose fed animal models

In the present study, the effect of intrathecal (i.t.) or intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration with cholera toxin (CTX) on the blood glucose level was examined in ICR mice. The i.t. treatment with CTX alone for 24 h dose-dependently increased the blood glucose level. However, i.c.v. treatment with CTX for 24 h did not affect the blood glucose level. When mice were orally fed with D-glucose (2 g/kg), the blood glucose level reached to a maximum level at 30 min and almost returned to the control level at 120 min after D-glucose feeding. I.c.v. pretreatment with CTX increased the blood glucose level in a potentiative manner, whereas i.t. pretreatment with CTX increased the blood glucose level in an additive manner in a D-glucose fed group. In addition, the blood glucose level was increased in formalin-induced pain animal model. I.c.v. pretreatment with CTX enhanced the blood glucose level in a potentiative manner in formalin-induced pain animal model. On the other hand, i.t. pretreatment with CTX increased the blood glucose level in an additive manner in formalin-induced pain animal model. Our results suggest that CTX administered supraspinally or spinally differentially modulates the regulation of the blood glucose level in D-glucose fed model as well as in formalin-induced pain model.

Differential expression of phosphorylated Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein in the mouse hippocampus induced by various nociceptive stimuli

In the present study, we characterized differential expressions of phosphorylated Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIalpha (pCaMKIIalpha) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein (pERK) in the mouse hippocampus induced by various nociceptive stimuli. In an immunoblot study, s.c. injection of formalin and intrathecal (i.t.) injections of glutamate, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1 beta) significantly increased pCaMKIIalpha expression in the hippocampus, but i.p. injections of acetic acid did not. pERK1/2 expression was also increased by i.t. injection of glutamate, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta but not by s.c. injections of formalin or i.p. injections of acetic acid. In an immunohistochemical study, we found that increased pCaMKIIalpha and pERK expressions were mainly located at CA3 or the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. In a behavioral study, we assessed the effects of PD98059 (a MEK 1/2 inhibitor) and KN-93 (a CaMKII inhibitor) following i.c.v. administration on the nociceptive behaviors induced by i.t. injections of glutamate, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha or IL-1beta), and i.p. injections of acetic acid. PD98059 as well as KN-93 significantly attenuated the nociceptive behavior induced by glutamate, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and acetic acid. Our results suggest that (1) pERKalpha and pCaMK-II located in the hippocampus are important regulators during the nociceptive processes induced by s.c. formalin, i.t. glutamate, i.t. pro-inflammatory cytokines, and i.p. acetic acid injection, respectively, and (2) the alteration of pERK and pCaMKIIalpha in nociceptive processing induced by formalin, glutamate, pro-inflammatory cytokines and acetic acid was modulated in a different manner.

The intracerebroventricular kainic acid-induced damage affects animal nociceptive behavior

In the present study, we examined nociceptive behaviors on various pain models after the pretreatment of kainic acid intracerebroventricularly. We found that intracerebroventricular administration of kainic acid shows significant neuronal damage on the hippocampal CA3 region in the brain slices stained with cresyl violet. Compared to the control group, intracerebroventricular pretreatment of kainic acid significantly attenuated nocifensive behaviors induced by intraplantar formalin (only in the 2nd phase), intrathecal glutamate, TNF-alpha or IL-1beta. However, nocifensive behaviors induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid (writhing test), intrathecal substance P or IFN-gamma were not affected by the pretreatment of kainic acid. These results suggest that (1) KA-induced alterations of nocifensive behaviors are related to the neuronal death of the hippocampal formation, especially CA3 pyramidal neurons and (2) nocifensive behaviors induced by formalin, acetic acid, SP, glutamate, and pro-inflammatory cytokines were modulated in a different manner.

Changes in pain behavior induced by formalin, substance P, glutamate and pro-inflammatory cytokines in immobilization-induced stress mouse model

In the present study, we examined the change of pain behaviors induced by formalin injected subcutaneously (s.c.) into the hind paw, or substance P (SP), glutamate, and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IFN-gamma) injected intrathecally (i.t.) in the mouse immobilization stress model. The mouse was restrained either once for 1h or five times for 5 days (once/day). In the formalin test, a single immobilization stress attenuated pain behaviors (licking, biting or scratching) in the second phase, while it had no effect on the pain behaviors revealed during the first phase. In addition, repeated immobilization stress attenuated pain behaviors revealed during the second phase but not in the first phase. A single as well as repeated immobilization stress decreased pain behaviors induced by substance P i.t. injection, but there were no significant changes in the glutamate test. In the pro-inflammatory cytokine pain model, a single immobilization stress decreased the pain behaviors induced by TNF-alpha, IL-1beta administered i.t. but not by IFN-gamma administered i.t. Moreover, a mouse applied with repeated immobilization stress did not show any changes in pain behaviors elicited by pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IFN-gamma) compared to the control group. These results suggest that a single and repeated immobilization stress differentially affects such nociceptive processing induced by formalin, SP, glutamate and pro-inflammatory cytokines in different manners.

Differential Modulatory Effects of Cholera Toxin and Pertussis Toxin on Pain Behavior Induced by TNF-a, lnterleukin-1β and Interferon- Injected Intrathecally

The present study was designed to characterize the possible roles of spinally located cholera toxin (CTX)- and pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G-proteins in pro-inflammatory cytokine induced pain behaviors. Intrathecal injection of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha; 100 pg), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta; 100 pg) and interferon-gamma (INF-gamma; 100 pg) showed pain behavior. Intrathecal pretreatment with CTX (0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 mg) attenuated pain behavior induced by TNF-alpha and INF-gamma administered intrathecally. But intrathecal pretreatment with CTX (0.05, 0.1 and 0.5 microg) did not attenuate pain behavior induced by IL-1beta. On the other hand, intrathecal pretreatment with PTX further increased the pain behavior induced by TNF-alpha and IL-1beta administered intrathecally, especially at the dose of 0.5 microg. But intrathecal pretreatment with PTX did not affect pain behavior induced by INF-gamma. Our results suggest that, at the spinal cord level, CTX- and PTX-sensitive G-proteins appear to play important roles in modulating pain behavior induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines administered spinally. Furthermore, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and INF-gamma administered spinally appear to produce pain behavior by different mechanisms.

Reversal of ongoing thermal hyperalgesia in mice by a recombinant herpesvirus that encodes human preproenkephalin

Herpesvirus-mediated transfer of the human preproenkephalin gene to primary afferent nociceptors prevents phasic thermal allodynia/hyperalgesia in mice. It is not known, however, whether similar viral treatments would reverse ongoing or chronic pain and allodynia/hyperalgesia. To this end, mice were given intrathecal injections of pertussis toxin (PTX), which produces a weeks-long thermal hyperalgesia apparently by uncoupling certain G proteins from inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors. This treatment produced profound thermal hyperalgesia in both Adelta and C-fiber thermonociceptive tests lasting at least 6 weeks. However, treatment of skin surfaces with an enkephalin-encoding herpesvirus, but not control virus or vehicle, completely reversed this hyperalgesia. This profound anti-hyperalgesia was observed for both Adelta- and C-fiber-mediated responses. Interestingly, however, while the anti-hyperalgesic effect of the enkephalin-encoding virus on C-fiber-mediated responses was reversed by intrathecal application of micro or delta opioid antagonists, only delta antagonists reversed the effect of this virus on Adelta hyperalgesia. Thus, virus-mediated delivery of the proenkephalin cDNA reverses thermal hyperalgesia produced by PTX-induced ribosylation of inhibitory G proteins by an opioid-mediated mechanism. These results suggest that herpesvirus vectors encoding analgesic peptides may be useful in attenuating centrally mediated, ongoing neuropathic pain and/or hyperalgesia.

Intrathecally administered cholera toxin blocks allodynia and hyperalgesia in persistent pain models

In persistent pain, the spinal cord concentration of the opioid peptide dynorphin increases dramatically, yet the function of dynorphin remains unknown. If prodynorphin expression could be manipulated in vivo, it might be possible to determine what role dynorphin plays in persistent pain. Previous work in our laboratory showed that prodynorphin expression is regulated through the cyclic adenosine monophosphate pathway. Therefore, we attempted to enhance prodynorphin expression in the spinal cord of rats by stimulating adenylate cyclase with cholera toxin; however, contrary to our hypothesis, intrathecally administered cholera toxin did not enhance prodynorphin expression. Rather, cholera toxin suppressed the increase in prodynorphin produced by inflammation. Cholera toxin also inhibited the allodynia and hyperalgesia associated with inflammation and nerve injury. Interestingly, the antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic actions of cholera toxin were reversed with the opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone. These findings suggest that cholera toxin enhances or unmasks an endogenous opioid pathway to produce its antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effects. Furthermore, these data indicate that the suppression of the inflammation-induced increase in spinal cord prodynorphin is caused by the opioid-mediated decrease in the nociceptive stimulus.

Antinociceptive effects of methysergide in various pain models

Several studies have demonstrated that the nonselective opioid receptor antagonist naloxone produces a paradoxical antinociception in the formalin test. The opioid system is related to the serotonergic system for producing antinociception at the spinal level. Here we also asked whether systemic (i.p.) and intrathecal (i.t.) administrations of a nonselective serotonergic antagonist, methysergide, might produce paradoxical antinociception similar to naloxone in the mouse formalin test. A diluted formalin solution was injected into the mouse plantar region of the hind paw and the duration of licking responses was measured at periods of 0-5 min (1st phase) and 20-40 min (2nd phase) after formalin injection. Methysergide administered i.p. and i.t. showed an attenuated licking duration only in the 2nd phase. The effect observed in the 2nd phase was reversed in the 5,7-dihydroxytriptamine, but not N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine pretreated group of mice, suggesting that descending serotonergic, but not noradrenergic, systems are involved in the methysergide antinociception. To further investigate the mechanism by which methysergide inhibited the nociceptive behaviors induced by formalin, the antinociceptive effect of methysergide was also tested in substance P (i.t.) and excitatory amino acids (i.t.), such as glutamate, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid, and kainic acid, which are major components in the formalin-induced nociceptive transmission in the spinal cord pain models. The duration of nociceptive behaviors shown in these models was significantly shortened by i.p. and i.t. administration of methysergide. These results suggest that methysergide also produces a paradoxical antinociception in various pain models including the formalin test, similar to the results of naloxone.

Nociceptive effects of intrathecal administration of sulphur-containing amino acids

This study examined the nociceptive effects of the intrathecal administration of various doses of the following endogenous excitatory sulphur-containing amino acids (SAAs): L-cysteic acid (L-CA), L-cysteine sulfinic acid (L-CSA), L-homocysteic acid (L-HCA) and L-homocysteic sulfinic acid (L-HCSA). For a period of 10min, rats were observed for spontaneous nociceptive behaviours (SNBs), including: tail elevation, twitching or licking; hindpaw elevation, licking or shaking; and caudally directed biting or scratching. The amount of time each rat spent eliciting these individual behaviours was recorded and a total time (in seconds) spent exhibiting SNBs was then calculated. To determine which glutamate receptors are primarily responsible for these nociceptive behaviours, we pretreated additional groups of rats with selective antagonists for N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole proprionic acid/kainate (AMPA/KA) and group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR1 and 5). Results indicate that SAAs dose-dependently produce SNBs that are attenuated by NMDA receptor and group I mGluR antagonists.

Effects of spinally and supraspinally injected 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, cholera toxin, and pertussis toxin on immobilization stress-induced antinociception in the mouse

The effects of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) and intrathecal (i.t.) 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), cholera toxin (CTX) and pertussis toxin (PTX) administration on immobilization-induced antinociception were studied in ICR mice. Antinociception was assessed by the tail-flick assay. Immobilization of the mouse increased inhibition of the tail-flick response for at least 1 h. The pretreatment with i.t. IBMX (0.01-1 ng), but not i.c.v. IBMX, significantly attenuated immobilization-induced inhibition of the tail-flick response. The pretreatments with i.c.v. PTX (0.05-0.5 microg) as well as i.t. CTX, but neither i.c.v. CTX (0.05-0.5 microg) nor i.t. PTX, potentiated the inhibition of the tail-flick response induced by immobilization stress. Our results suggest that spinally located phosphodiesterase appears to be involved in the production of immobilization stress-induced antinociception. In addition, inactivation of supraspinally located PTX-sensitive G-proteins and spinally located CTX-sensitive G-proteins may modulate immobilization stress-induced antinociception.

Possible antinociceptive mechanisms of opioid receptor antagonists in the mouse formalin test

It has been reported that opioid receptor antagonist can induce antinociception in several nociceptive tests. In the intraplantar formalin pain model, however, opioid antagonist-induced antinociception, as well as its underlying mechanism, has not been well characterized. Therefore, in the mouse formalin test, we attempted to characterize the site of action and the possible opioid receptor subtypes. We found that naltrexone (a nonselective opioid antagonist) injected intraperitoneally (i.p., 1-20 mg/kg), intrathecally (i.t., 0.1-10 microg) and intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v., 0.1-10 microg) phase. Administration of beta-funaltrexamine (beta-FNA, 10-40 mg/kg i.p., 1.25-5 microg it or i.c.v.), naltrindole (1-10 mg/kg i.p., 1.25-5 microg it or i.c.v.) and nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI, 1-10 mg/kg i.p., 10-40 microg it or i.c.v.), which are selective mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid antagonists, respectively, also produced antinociception during the second phase. Additionally, we examined the involvement of the descending monoaminergic systems in the naltrexone-induced antinociception in the formalin test. Pretreatment with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT, a serotonergic neurotoxin, 20 microg i.t.), but not N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP-4, a noradrenergic neurotoxin, 20 microg i.t.), reversed the naltrexone-induced antinociception during the second phase. Our results suggest that blockade of supraspinally or spinally located opioid receptors may play roles in the regulation of antinociception during the tonic painful stage. In addition, opioid receptors localized at the neuroterminal of the descending serotonergic, but not noradrenergic, inhibitory system in the spinal cord appear to be involved in opioid antagonist-induced antinociception during the second tonic phase of the formalin test.

Molecular Mechanisms of Migraine

Migraine is a common complex disorder that affects a large portion of the population and thus incurs a substantial economic burden on society. The disorder is characterized by recurrent headaches that are unilateral and usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia. The range of clinical characteristics is broad and there is evidence of comorbidity with other neurological diseases, complicating both the diagnosis and management of the disorder. Although the class of drugs known as the triptans (serotonin 5-HT(1B/1D) agonists) has been shown to be effective in treating a significant number of patients with migraine, treatment may in the future be further enhanced by identifying drugs that selectively target molecular mechanisms causing susceptibility to the disease.Genetically, migraine is a complex familial disorder in which the severity and susceptibility of individuals is most likely governed by several genes that may be different among families. Identification of the genomic variants involved in genetic predisposition to migraine should facilitate the development of more effective diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Genetic profiling, combined with our knowledge of therapeutic response to drugs, should enable the development of specific, individually-tailored treatment.

Dual effects of spinally delivered 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine mono-phosphate (8-bromo-cGMP) in formalin-induced nociception in rats

The rat formalin assay was used to assess effects of the cyclic guanosine mono-phosphate (cGMP) analog, 8-bromo-cGMP on nociception and cGMP dependent protein kinase I (protein kinase G; PKG-I) expression in lumbar spinal cord. Intrathecal (i.t.) delivery of low doses of 8-bromo-cGMP (0.1-0.25 micromol) reduced nociceptive behavior and formalin-induced upregulation of PKG-I in the spinal cord. Medium doses (0.5-1 micromol i.t.) had no effect and high doses (2.5 micromol i.t.) caused hyperalgesia associated with a further increase of PKG-I expression and a PKG-I clip. To explain these dose-dependent contrary effects we assessed the potential involvement of various cGMP targets: protein kinase G, cyclic nucleotide gated cation channels (CNGs), phosphodiesterases (PDE2 and PDE3) and AMPA-receptors. The PKG inhibitor, Rp-8-bromo-cGMPS did not antagonize the antinociceptive effects of 8-bromo-cGMP but caused antinociception itself. Inhibitors of CNGs, PDE2 and PDE3 had no effect on formalin evoked nociceptive behavior. S-AMPA however, antagonized the antinociceptive effects of 8-bromo-cGMP. Since AMPA receptor currents were found to be reduced by 8-bromo-cGMP in vitro a direct or indirect reduction of AMPA receptor currents might possibly contribute to the antinociceptive effects of 8-bromo-cGMP. On the other hand, 8-bromo-cGMP evoked antinociception appears to be largely independent of PKG-I, CNGs, PDE2 and PDE3. The antinociceptive effects of the PKG inhibitor suggest that a strong PKG activation may be responsible for 'high dose' 8-bromo-cGMP evoked hyperalgesia.

Spinal cord heme oxygenase participates in glutamate-induced pain-related behaviors

Heme oxygenase catalyzes the formation of CO, Fe(2+) and biliverdin from the substrate heme. In these studies, we attempted to define the roles heme oxygenase play in pain-related behaviors induced by intrathecal injection of the spinal neurotransmitter glutamate. The intrathecal injection of glutamate or the more selective agonists N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) in C57Bl/6 mice lead to caudally directed pain behaviors which were sensitive to the heme oxygenase inhibitors tin protoporphyrin (Sn-protoporphyrin) and chromium mesoporphyrin (Cr-mesoporphyrin). Intrathecal injections of glutamate in heme oxygenase type 2 (HO-2) null-mutant animals resulted in reduced pain-related behaviors when compared with wild type animals. Glutamate, NMDA and AMPA stimulated cGMP accumulation in mouse spinal cord slices, which was blocked by heme oxygenase inhibitors. Glutamate did not stimulate cGMP production in HO-2 null-mutant animals. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that pain-related behaviors induced by spinal glutamate rely on the activation of HO-2 and subsequent production of cGMP.

Antinociceptive profiles of aspirin and acetaminophen in formalin, substance P and glutamate pain models

Aspirin (ASA) is widely used oral analgesics and acts as an inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase. Also, acetaminophen (APAP) is effective analgesics and may selectively inhibit brain prostaglandin synthetase. However, their mechanisms of action in CNS are poorly defined, although several authors have shown that the antinociceptive effects of ASA and APAP have different underlying mechanisms and play some possible roles on spinal nociceptive processing, such as inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. To define and characterize antinociceptive profiles of ASA and APAP on various pain models, we performed intraplantar formalin injection test, intrathecal (i.t.) substance P (0.7 microg)-induced nociceptive response test, and i.t. glutamate (20 microg)-induced nociceptive response test after ASA or APAP (from 10 to 300 mg/kg) administered orally to the mouse. In the formalin test, ASA produced an antinociceptive effect during only the 2nd phase (20-40 min), but not the 1st phase (0-5 min), in a dose-dependent manner. However, APAP showed a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect during both phases of the formalin test. In addition, both ASA and APAP reduced nociceptive behavior induced by glutamate administered i.t. in a dose-dependent manner. In substance P-induced nociceptive response, APAP, but not ASA, showed antinociceptive effect in a dose-dependent manner. Our results suggest that ASA and APAP administered orally may be mediated by different nociceptive processing at the spinal cord level.

Pretreatment with cholera or pertussis toxin differentially modulates morphine- and beta-endorphin-induced antinociception in the mouse formalin test

The present study was designed to examine the possible involvement of supraspinal CTX- and PTX-sensitive G-proteins in an opioid-induced antinociception in the formalin test. Morphine (1 microg) and beta-endorphin (1 microg) given i.c.v. displayed near-maximal inhibitory effects against the formalin response in the first (0-5 min) and the second (20-40 min) phases. CTX (0.1-0.5 microg) pretreated i.c.v. produced antinociceptive effects in both phases of the formalin responses. Its effect was more pronounced in the first phase. However, PTX (0.05-0.5 microg) injected i.c.v produced the antinociceptive effect only in the first, but not the second, phase. Both CTX (0.5 microg) and PTX (0.5 microg), at the dose which had no intrinsic effect, significantly reversed the beta-endorphin-induced antinociceptive effect observed during the second, but not the first, phase. However, the antinociceptive effect by morphine failed to be affected by the same dose of treatment with CTX or PTX. Our results indicate that, at the supraspinal level, CTX- and PTX-sensitive G-proteins appear to be involved in the modulation of antinociception induced by supraspinally administered beta-endorphin, but not morphine, in the formalin pain model.

Differential roles of spinal cholera toxin- and pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins in nociceptive responses caused by formalin, capsaicin, and substance P in mice

The aim of the present study is to characterize the roles of spinal cholera toxin (CTX)- and pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G proteins in the regulation of various nociceptive responses. The effects of intrathecal (i.t.) pretreatments with CTX and PTX on the formalin (subcutaneous)-, capsaicin (i.t.)-, and substance P (SP; i.t.)-induced nociceptive behaviours were examined in mice. Pretreatment with CTX (i.t.; 24 h before) significantly and dose-dependently (0.05-0.5 microg) suppressed both the first and second phases of the formalin-induced nociceptive behaviour. On the other hand, pretreatment with PTX (i.t., 6 days before) at the same doses (0.05-N0.5 microg) did not affect the formalin-induced response. Capsaicin (i.t., 0.5 microg)- and SP (i.t., 0.7 microg)-induced nociceptive behaviours were attenuated by the pretreatment with CTX. In addition, SP-induced nociceptive response was also attenuated by the pretreatment with PTX. However, the capsaicin-induced nociceptive response was not influenced by PTX pretreatment. These findings suggest that, at the spinal cord level, CTX-sensitive G-proteins are involved in the formalin-, capsaicin-, and SP-induced nociceptive behavioural responses, whereas PTX-sensitive G proteins are involved in SP-induced nociceptive response.