Attenuation of hyperalgesia responses via the modulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine signalings in the rostral ventromedial medulla and spinal cord in a 6-hydroxydopamine-induced rat model of Parkinson's disease

Pramipexole decreases allodynia and hyperalgesia via NF-κB in astrocytes in rats with Parkinson's disease

Pain is one of the principal non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), negatively impacting the patient's quality of life. This study aimed to demonstrate whether an effective dose of pramipexole (PPX) can modulate the NF-κB/p-p65 activation in glial cells (astrocytes and microglia) and diminish the hypersensitivity (allodynia and hyperalgesia) in male Wistar rats with PD. For this, 2 μl of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA, 8 μg/μL/0.2 μl/min) was administered unilaterally in the Substantia Nigra of the Pars Compacta (SNpc) to establish a PD model rat. Motor behavioral tests were used to validate the PD model, and von Frey filaments were used to evaluate allodynia and hyperalgesia. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the level of tyrosine hydroxylase in SNpc and striatum as well as the expression of GFAP, Iba-1, NF-κB/p-65 in the L4-L6 spinal cord dorsal horn. Unilateral 6-OHDA-lesion reduces motor capacity and produces long-term allodynia and hyperalgesia in both hind paws. L4-L6 spinal cord dorsal horn astrocytes and microglia were active in these 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. Moreover, PPX (1 and 3 mg/Kg, i.p./10 days, n = 10 per group) inhibited the bilateral mechanical hypersensitivity, and PPX (3 mg/Kg/i.p./10 days) reduced 6-OHDA-induced astrocyte and microglia activation, as well as reduced NF-κB/p-p65 expression only in astrocytes of dorsal horn spinal cord in the L5-L6. These findings suggest that PPX could alleviate pain by decreasing the activation of microglia and astrocytes through the NF-κB/p-p65 pathway in the dorsal horn spinal cord. Therefore, PPX could be considered an optional tool for improving pain hypersensitivity in PD patients.

Brainstem serotonin amplifies nociceptive transmission in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease arises from the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to motor symptoms such as akinesia, rigidity, and tremor at rest. The non-motor component of Parkinson's disease includes increased neuropathic pain, the prevalence of which is 4 to 5 times higher than the general rate. By studying a mouse model of Parkinson's disease induced by 6-hydroxydopamine, we assessed the impact of dopamine depletion on pain modulation. Mice exhibited mechanical hypersensitivity associated with hyperexcitability of neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord (DHSC). Serotonin (5-HT) levels increased in the spinal cord, correlating with reduced tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity in the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) and increased excitability of 5-HT neurons. Selective optogenetic inhibition of 5-HT neurons attenuated mechanical hypersensitivity and reduced DHSC hyperexcitability. In addition, the blockade of 5-HT2A and 5-HT3 receptors reduced mechanical hypersensitivity. These results reveal, for the first time, that PD-like dopamine depletion triggers spinal-mediated mechanical hypersensitivity, associated with serotonergic hyperactivity in the NRM, opening up new therapeutic avenues for Parkinson's disease-associated pain targeting the serotonergic systems.

Pathological pain: Non-motor manifestations in Parkinson disease and its treatment

In addition to motor symptoms, non-motor manifestations of Parkinson's disease (PD), i.e. pain, depression, sleep disturbance, and autonomic disorders, have received increasing attention. As one of the non-motor symptoms, pain has a high prevalence and is considered an early pre-motor symptom in the development of PD. In relation to pathological pain and its management in PD, particularly in the early stages, it is hypothesized that the loss of dopaminergic neurons causes a functional deficit in supraspinal structures, leading to an imbalance in endogenous descending modulation. Deficits in dopaminergic-dependent pathways also affect non-dopaminergic neurotransmitter systems that contribute to the pathological processing of nociceptive input, the integration, and modulation of pain in PD. This review examines the onset and progression of pain in PD, with a particular focus on alterations in the central modulation of nociception. The discussion highlights the importance of abnormal endogenous descending facilitation and inhibition in PD pain, which may provide potential clues to a better understanding of the nature of pathological pain and its effective clinical management.

Higher cortical excitability to negative emotions involved in musculoskeletal pain in Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVE

Changes in brain structure and neurotransmitter systems are involved in pain in Parkinson's disease (PD), and emotional factors are closely related to pain. Our study applied electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate the role of emotion in PD patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

METHODS

Forty-two PD patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain and 38 without were enrolled. EEG data were recorded under resting conditions, and while viewing pictures with neutral, positive, and negative content. We compared spectrum power, functional connectivity, and late positive potential (LPP), an event-related potential (ERP), between the groups.

RESULTS

PD patients with pain tended to have higher scores for the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). In the resting EEG, mean β-band amplitude was significantly higher in patients with pain than in those without. Logistic regression analysis showed that higher HRSD scores and higher mean β-band amplitude were associated with pain. ERP analysis revealed that the amplitudes of LPP difference waves (the absolute difference between positive and negative condition LPP and neutral condition LPP) at the central-parietal region were significantly reduced in patients with pain (P = 0.029). Spearman correlation analysis showed that the amplitudes of late (700-1000 ms) negative versus neutral condition LPP difference waves were negatively correlated with pain intensity, assessed by visual analogue scale, (r = -0.393, P = 0.010) and HRSD scores (r = -0.366, P = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

Dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic systems may be involved in musculoskeletal pain in PD by increasing β-band activity and weakening the connection of the θ-band at the central-parietal region. PD patients with musculoskeletal pain have higher cortical excitability to negative emotions. The changes in pain-related EEG may be used as electrophysiological markers and therapeutic targets in PD patients with chronic pain.

Alterations in descending brain-spinal pathways regulating colorectal motility in a rat model of Parkinson's disease

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) often have constipation. It is assumed that a disorder of the regulatory mechanism of colorectal motility by the central nervous system is involved in the constipation, but this remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether central neural pathways can modulate colorectal motility in a rat model of PD. PD model rats were generated by injection of 6-hydroxydopamine into a unilateral medial forebrain bundle and destruction of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Colorectal motility was measured in vivo in anesthetized rats. Intraluminal administration of capsaicin, as a noxious stimulus, induced colorectal motility in sham-operated rats but not in PD rats. Intrathecally administered dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT), which mediate the prokinetic effect of capsaicin, at the L6-S1 levels enhanced colorectal motility in PD rats similarly to that in sham-operated rats. In PD rats, capsaicin enhanced colorectal motility only when a GABAA receptor antagonist was preadministered into the lumbosacral spinal cord. Capsaicin-induced colorectal motility was abolished by intrathecal administration of a D2-like receptor antagonist but not by administration of 5-HT2 and 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. These findings demonstrate that the inhibitory GABAergic component becomes operative and the stimulatory serotonergic component is suppressed in PD rats. The alteration of the central regulatory mechanism of colorectal motility is thought to be related to the occurrence of constipation in PD patients. Our findings provide a new insight into the pathogenesis of defecation disorders observed in PD.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In a rat model of Parkinson's disease, the component of descending brain-spinal pathways that regulate colorectal motility through a mediation of the lumbosacral defecation center was altered from stimulatory serotonergic neurons to inhibitory GABAergic neurons. Our findings suggest that chronic constipation in Parkinson's disease patients may be associated with alterations in central regulatory mechanisms of colorectal motility. The plasticity in the descending pathway regulating colorectal motility may contribute to other disease-related defecation abnormalities.

Insight gained from using animal models to study pain in Parkinson's disease

Pain is one of the key non-motor symptoms experienced by a large proportion of people living with Parkinson's disease (PD), yet the mechanisms behind this pain remain elusive and as such its treatment remains suboptimal. It is hoped that through the study of animal models of PD, we can start to unravel some of the contributory mechanisms, and perhaps identify models that prove useful as test beds for assessing the efficacy of potential new analgesics. However, just how far along this journey are we right now? Is it even possible to model pain in PD in animal models of the disease? And have we gathered any insight into pain mechanisms from the use of animal models of PD so far? In this chapter we intend to address these questions and in particular highlight the findings generated by others, and our own group, following studies in a range of rodent models of PD.

PACAP/PAC1-R activation contributes to hyperalgesia in 6-OHDA-induced Parkinson's disease model rats via promoting excitatory synaptic transmission of spinal dorsal horn neurons

Pain is a common annoying non-motor symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD) that causes distress to patients. Treatment for PD pain remains a big challenge, as its underlying mechanisms are elusive. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and its receptor PAC1-R play important roles in regulating a variety of pathophysiological processes. In this study, we investigated whether PACAP/PAC1-R signaling was involved in the mechanisms of PD pain. 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced PD model was established in rats. Behavioral tests, electrophysiological and Western blotting analysis were conducted 3 weeks later. We found that 6-OHDA rats had significantly lower mechanical paw withdrawal 50% threshold in von Frey filament test and shorter tail flick latency, while mRNA levels of Pacap and Adcyap1r1 (gene encoding PAC1-R) in the spinal dorsal horn were significantly upregulated. Whole-cell recordings from coronal spinal cord slices at L4-L6 revealed that the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) in dorsal horn neurons was significantly increased, which was reversed by application of a PAC1-R antagonist PACAP 6-38 (250 nM). Furthermore, we demonstrated that intrathecal microinjection of PACAP 6-38 (0.125, 0.5, 2 μg) dose-dependently ameliorated the mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in 6-OHDA rats. Inhibition of PACAP/PAC1-R signaling significantly suppressed the activation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in spinal dorsal horn of 6-OHDA rats. Microinjection of pAAV-Adcyap1r1 into L4-L6 spinal dorsal horn alleviated hyperalgesia in 6-OHDA rats. Intrathecal microinjection of ERK antagonist PD98059 (10 μg) significantly alleviated hyperalgesia in 6-OHDA rats associated with the inhibition of sEPSCs in dorsal horn neurons. In addition, we found that serum PACAP-38 concentration was significantly increased in PD patients with pain, and positively correlated with numerical rating scale score. In conclusion, activation of PACAP/PAC1-R induces the development of PD pain and targeting PACAP/PAC1-R is an alternative strategy for treating PD pain.

Effects of Tiliroside and Lisuride Co-Treatment on the PI3K/Akt Signal Pathway: Modulating Neuroinflammation and Apoptosis in Parkinson's Disease

Researchers are actively exploring potential bioactive compounds to enhance the effectiveness of Lisuride (Lis) in treating Parkinson's disease (PD) over the long term, aiming to mitigate the serious side effects associated with its extended use. A recent study found that combining the dietary flavonoid Tiliroside (Til) with Lis has potential anti-Parkinson's benefits. The study showed significant improvements in PD symptoms induced by 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) when Til and Lis were given together, based on various behavioral tests. This combined treatment significantly improved motor function and protected dopaminergic neurons in rats with PD induced by MPTP. It also activated important molecular pathways related to cell survival and apoptosis control, as indicated by the increased pAkt/Akt ratio. Til and Lis together increased B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), decreased caspase 3 activity, and prevented brain cell decay. Co-administration also reduced tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1 (IL-1). Antioxidant markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and reduced glutathione significantly improved compared to the MPTP-induced control group. This study shows that using Til and Lis together effectively treats MPTP-induced PD in rats, yielding results comparable to an 8 mg/kg dose of levodopa, highlighting their potential as promising Parkinson's treatments.

Periaqueductal grey and spinal cord pathology contribute to pain in Parkinson's disease

Pain is a key non-motor feature of Parkinson's disease (PD) that significantly impacts on life quality. The mechanisms underlying chronic pain in PD are poorly understood, hence the lack of effective treatments. Using the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesioned rat model of PD, we identified reductions in dopaminergic neurons in the periaqueductal grey (PAG) and Met-enkephalin in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord that were validated in human PD tissue samples. Pharmacological activation of D₁-like receptors in the PAG, identified as the DRD5⁺ phenotype located on glutamatergic neurons, alleviated the mechanical hypersensitivity seen in the Parkinsonian model. Downstream activity in serotonergic neurons in the Raphé magnus (RMg) was also reduced in 6-OHDA lesioned rats, as detected by diminished c-FOS positivity. Furthermore, we identified increased pre-aggregate α-synuclein, coupled with elevated activated microglia in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in those people that experienced PD-related pain in life. Our findings have outlined pathological pathways involved in the manifestation of pain in PD that may present targets for improved analgesia in people with PD.

Bulbospinal nociceptive ON and OFF cells related neural circuits and transmitters

The rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) is a bulbospinal nuclei in the descending pain modulation system, and directly affects spinal nociceptive transmission through pronociceptive ON cells and antinociceptive OFF cells in this area. The functional status of ON and OFF neurons play a pivotal role in pain chronification. As distinct pain modulative information converges in the RVM and affects ON and OFF cell excitability, neural circuits and transmitters correlated to RVM need to be defined for an in-depth understanding of central-mediated pain sensitivity. In this review, neural circuits including the role of the periaqueductal gray, locus coeruleus, parabrachial complex, hypothalamus, amygdala input to the RVM, and RVM output to the spinal dorsal horn are discussed. Meanwhile, the role of neurotransmitters is concluded, including serotonin, opioids, amino acids, cannabinoids, TRPV1, substance P and cholecystokinin, and their dynamic impact on both ON and OFF cell activities in modulating pain transmission. Via clarifying potential specific receptors of ON and OFF cells, more targeted therapies can be raised to generate pain relief for patients who suffer from chronic pain.

Pathological α-synuclein accumulation, CSF metabolites changes and brain microstructures in cynomolgus monkeys treated with 6-hydroxydopamine

The lack of evidence indicating the accumulation of phosphorylated α-synuclein (P-α-syn), a neuropathological hallmark of Parkinson disease (PD), limits the application of 6-OHDA animal models. In cynomolgus monkeys received unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injection, we identified nigrostriatal dysfunction related behavioral defects, such as the increase of PD score, decrease of locomotor activities, and exhibition of typical rotations. We found the dopaminergic neurons were significantly reduced and had fragmented morphology in substantia nigra (SN). Furthermore, insoluble P-α-syn aggregates were observed. The P-α-syn aggregates were extracellular distributed and had typical morphology of inclusion. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the P-α-syn colocalized with ubiquitin (Ub) and p62. We also found there were more actived astrocytes and microglial in SN and striatum, reflecting neuroinflammations increase in nigrostriatal pathway. At last, to determine the long-term consequence of dopamine (DA) neuron loss induced by 6-OHDA injection, the changes of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurotransmitters over time as well as the brain microstructure alternations were examined. The dopamine-related metabolites were decreased after 6-OHDA injection reflecting dopaminergic neuron loss. The levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and acetylcholine (Ach) showed an increasing trend but not significant. By diffusion tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) image scans, the fractional anisotropy (FA) value in the ipsilateral SN and caudate was found to reduce, which indicated neural fiber injury. Therefore, these results suggested that α-syn pathology might participate in process of 6-OHDA injuring DA neurons, and may expand the application of 6-OHDA monkeys on investigations into the pathogenesis of PD.

Therapeutic Approaches to Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease: A Current Update on Preclinical Evidence

Despite being classified as a movement disorder, Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by a wide range of non-motor symptoms that significantly affect the patients' quality of life. However, clear evidence-based therapy recommendations for non-motor symptoms of PD are uncommon. Animal models of PD have previously been shown to be useful for advancing the knowledge and treatment of motor symptoms. However, these models may provide insight into and assess therapies for non-motor symptoms in PD. This paper highlights non-motor symptoms in preclinical models of PD and the current position regarding preclinical therapeutic approaches for these non-motor symptoms. This information may be relevant for designing future preclinical investigations of therapies for nonmotor symptoms in PD.

Inhibition of Spinal 5-HT3 Receptor and Spinal Dorsal Horn Neuronal Excitability Alleviates Hyperalgesia in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease

Pain in Parkinson's disease (PD) is increasingly recognized as a major factor associated with poor life quality of PD patients. However, classic therapeutic drugs supplying dopamine have limited therapeutic effects on PD-related pain. This suggests that there is a mechanism outside the dopamine system that causes pain in PD. Our previous study demonstrated that 6-OHDA induced PD model manifested hyperalgesia to thermal and mechanical stimuli and decreased serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH). Several 5-HT receptor subtypes have been confirmed to be associated with nociception in the spinal cord, such as 5-HT1A receptor, 5-HT1B receptor, 5-HT2 receptor, 5-HT3 receptor, and 5-HT7 receptor. Most research has shown that 5-HT1A receptor and 5-HT3 receptor play a key role in pain transmission in the spinal cord. We hypothesized that hyperalgesia of 6-OHDA rats may be related to increased excitability of SDH neurons, and functional change of 5-HT3 receptor may reverse the hyperalgesia of 6-OHDA lesioned rats and decrease cell excitability of SDH neurons. To test this hypothesis, we used whole-cell patch-clamp and pharmacological methods to evaluate the effect of 5-HT3 receptor and 5-HT1A receptor on the hyperalgesia of 6-OHDA rats. The results suggested that increased excitability in SDH neurons could be reversed by 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron (20 μmol/L) and palosetron (10 μmol/L), but not 5-HT3 receptor agonist m-CPBG (30 μmol/L) and SR 57,727 (10 μmol/L), 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH DPAT (10 μmol/L) and eptapirone (10 μmol/L) and 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY-100635 (10 μmol/L) and p-MPPI (10 μmol/L). Intrathecal injection of ondansetron (0.1 mg/kg) but not m-CPBG (0.1 mg/kg), 8-OH DPAT (0.1 mg/kg), and WAY-100635 (0.1 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia in 6-OHDA lesioned rats. In conclusion, the present study suggests that inhibition of spinal 5-HT3 receptor and SDH neuronal excitability alleviates hyperalgesia in PD rats. Our study provides a novel mechanism or therapeutic strategy for pain in patients with PD.

Abnormal connectivity model of raphe nuclei with sensory-associated cortex in Parkinson's disease with chronic pain

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

There are indicates that raphe nuclei may be involved in the occurrence of chronic pain in Parkinson's disease (PD). In the study, we investigated the functional connectivity pattern of raphe nuclei in Parkinson's disease with chronic pain (PDP) to uncover its possible pathophysiology.

METHODS

Fifteen PDP, who suffered from pain, lasted longer than 3 months, sixteen Parkinson's disease patients with no pain (nPDP) and eighteen matched normal health controls (NCs) were recruited. All subjects completed the King's Parkinson's Pain Scale (KPPS) besides Parkinson-related scale and demographics. We performed a seed-based resting-state analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore whole-brain functional connectivity of the raphe nuclei. Multiple regression model was used to explore the related factors of pain including disease duration, disease severity, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, age, sex, levodopa equivalent dose and the strength of network functional connectivity.

RESULTS

Compared with the nPDP, the PDP group showed stronger functional connectivity between raphe nuclei and pain-related brain regions, including parietal lobe, insular lobe, cingulum cortex and prefrontal cortex, and the functional connectivity values of those areas were significantly positively correlated with KPPS independent of the clinical variables. Compared with NCs, the combined PD groups showed decreased functional connectivity including prefrontal cortex and cingulum cortex.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal functional connectivity model of raphe nuclei may be partly involved in pathophysiological mechanism of pain in PD.

Induction of Parkinsonian-Like Changes via Targeted Downregulation of Astrocytic Glutamate Transporter GLT-1 in the Striatum

BACKGROUND

Previous investigations have suggested that decreased expression of glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) is involved in glutamate excitotoxicity and contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease (PD), GLT-1 is decreased in animal models of PD. GLT-1 is mainly expressed in astrocytes, and the striatum is a GLT-1-rich brain area.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to explore the function and mechanism of astrocytic GLT-1 in PD-like changes.

METHODS

In the study, PD-like changes and their molecular mechanism in rodents were tested by a behavioral assessment, micro-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), western blotting, immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining, and high performance liquid chromatography pre-column derivatization with O-pthaldialdehida after downregulating astrocytic GLT-1 in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

In vivo, after 6 weeks of brain stereotactic injection of adeno-associated virus into the striatum, rats in the astrocytic GLT-1 knockdown group showed poorer motor performance, abnormal gait, and depression-like feature; but no olfactory disorders. The results of micro-PET/CT and western blotting indicated that the dopaminergic system was impaired in astrocytic GLT-1 knockdown rats. Similarly, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive immune-staining in neurons of astrocytic GLT-1 knockdown rats showed deficit in cell count. In vitro, knockdown of astrocytic GLT-1 via RNA interference led to morphological injury of TH-positive neurons, which may be related to the abnormal calcium signal induced by glutamate accumulation after GLT-1 knockdown. Furthermore, the GLT-1 agonist ceftriaxone showed a protective effect on TH-positive neuron impairment.

CONCLUSION

The present findings may shed new light on the future prevention and treatment of PD based on blocking glutamate excitotoxicity.

Exploitation of Thermal Sensitivity and Hyperalgesia in a Mouse Model of Dystonia

Neuropathic pain is characterized by mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia to heat, and it affects some 20% of European population. Patients suffering from several neurologic diseases experience neuropathic pain, often finding no relief in therapy. Transgenic mice expressing the gene encoding the human mutant (hMT) or the human wild-type (hWT) torsin A represent a preclinical model of DYT1 dystonia which is the most common form of early-onset inherited dystonia. Baseline thermal sensitivity and hyperalgesia to heat have never been studied in models of dystonia. Therefore, the aim of this research has been to characterize thermal sensitivity in baseline conditions and hyperalgesia to heat after the induction of neuropathic pain through the spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model in mice overexpressing human wild-type and mutated torsin A in comparison to non-transgenic C57BL/6 mice. According to our results, the paw withdrawal latency time to heat in the Hargreaves’ test is significantly lower in the hMT mice (Kruskal–Wallis test = 6.933; p = 0.0312*; hMT vs. hWT p = 0.0317*). On the other hand, no significant differences in SNL-induced thermal hyperalgesia was found among the three strains (Friedman test = 4.933; p = 0.1019). Future studies are needed to better understand the role of torsin A in sensory processing of heat stimuli.

Duzhong Fang Attenuates the POMC-Derived Neuroinflammation in Parkinsonian Mice

BACKGROUND

Neuroinflammation and microglia reactivity are now recognized to be features of Parkinson's disease (PD). Thus, microglia phenotype is a potential new target for developing treatments against PD. Duzhong Fang (DZF) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription. The theory of TCM argues that Duzhong Fang, nourishing yin and tonifying yang, may treat PD. However, its modern pharmacological studies and the underlying mechanisms are unclear.

METHODS

First, MPTP was used to establish a parkinsonian mouse model, and behavioral testing was used to evaluate the locomotor dysfunction. Then, HPLC, immunohistochemical staining, and Western blot assays were performed to evaluate the survival of dopaminergic neurons. Molecular biological and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate the neuroinflammation and microglial activation. In addition, RNA-seq transcriptomics was used to analyze differentially expressed genes and verify by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

In the present study, we first confirmed that DZF can alleviate neuroinflammation and ameliorate dyskinesia in parkinsonian mice. Then, further studies found that DZF can regulate microglial morphology and reactivity and act on the POMC gene. POMC is an upstream target for regulating inflammation and proinflammatory cytokines, and DZF can directly inhibit the POMC level and restore the homeostatic signature of microglia in parkinsonian mice.

CONCLUSION

This study found that POMC may have a potential role as a therapeutic target for PD. DZF may inhibit neuroinflammation and play an anti-PD effect by down-regulating the expression of POMC.

Neuropathic pain modeling: Focus on synaptic and ion channel mechanisms

Animal models of pain consist of modeling a pain-like state and measuring the consequent behavior. The first animal models of neuropathic pain (NP) were developed in rodents with a total lesion of the sciatic nerve. Later, other models targeting central or peripheral branches of nerves were developed to identify novel mechanisms that contribute to persistent pain conditions in NP. Objective assessment of pain in these different animal models represents a significant challenge for pre-clinical research. Multiple behavioral approaches are used to investigate and to validate pain phenotypes including withdrawal reflex to evoked stimuli, vocalizations, spontaneous pain, but also emotional and affective behaviors. Furthermore, animal models were very useful in investigating the mechanisms of NP. This review will focus on a detailed description of rodent models of NP and provide an overview of the assessment of the sensory and emotional components of pain. A detailed inventory will be made to examine spinal mechanisms involved in NP-induced hyperexcitability and underlying the current pharmacological approaches used in clinics with the possibility to present new avenues for future treatment. The success of pre-clinical studies in this area of research depends on the choice of the relevant model and the appropriate test based on the objectives of the study.

Acrolein scavenger dimercaprol offers neuroprotection in an animal model of Parkinson's disease: implication of acrolein and TRPA1

BACKGROUND

The mechanisms underlying lesions of dopaminergic (DA) neurons, an essential pathology of Parkinson's disease (PD), are largely unknown, although oxidative stress is recognized as a key factor. We have previously shown that the pro-oxidative aldehyde acrolein is a critical factor in PD pathology, and that acrolein scavenger hydralazine can reduce the elevated acrolein, mitigate DA neuron death, and alleviate motor deficits in a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model. As such, we hypothesize that a structurally distinct acrolein scavenger, dimercaprol (DP), can also offer neuroprotection and behavioral benefits.

METHODS

DP was used to lower the elevated levels of acrolein in the basal ganglia of 6-OHDA rats. The acrolein levels and related pathologies were measured by immunohistochemistry. Locomotor and behavioral effects of 6-OHDA injections and DP treatment were examined using the open field test and rotarod test. Pain was assessed using mechanical allodynia, cold hypersensitivity, and plantar tests. Finally, the effects of DP were assessed in vitro on SK-N-SH dopaminergic cells exposed to acrolein.

RESULTS

DP reduced acrolein and reversed the upregulation of pain-sensing transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels in the substantia nigra, striatum, and cortex. DP also mitigated both motor and sensory deficits typical of PD. In addition, DP lowered acrolein and protected DA-like cells in vitro. Acrolein's ability to upregulate TRPA1 was also verified in vitro using cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

These results further elucidated the acrolein-mediated pathogenesis and reinforced the critical role of acrolein in PD while providing strong arguments for anti-acrolein treatments as a novel and feasible strategy to combat neurodegeneration in PD. Considering the extensive involvement of acrolein in various nervous system illnesses and beyond, anti-acrolein strategies may have wide applications and broad impacts on human health.

Bilirubin Induces Pain Desensitization in Cholestasis by Activating 5-Hydroxytryptamine 3A Receptor in Spinal Cord

Background

Cholestasis patients often suffer from pain desensitization, resulting in serious complications in perioperative period. This study was aim to investigate the mechanism of bilirubin in cholestasis mediating pain desensitization through 5-hydroxytryptamine 3A (5-HT_3A ) receptor activation in spinal dorsal horn (SDH).

Methods

A cholestasis model was established by bile duct ligation (BDL) in rats. Pain thresholds of rats were measured after BDL or intrathecally injecting bilirubin in the presence or absence of agonist (mCPBG) and antagonists (ondansetron, bicuculline, or CGP55845). Expression of 5-HT₃ receptors, and the affinity and binding mode of bilirubin to 5-HT_3A receptor were determined. Effects of bilirubin on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathway and the interactions with 5-HT_3A receptor were tested.

Results

Bilirubin was elevated significantly in both serum and CSF in BDL rats, accompanied with the up-regulation of pain thresholds. Both of 5-HT_3A receptor and GABA _A receptor antagonists could reverse the increased pain threshold in BDL rats. Further, 5-HT_3A and GABA _A receptor expressions were increased in BDL rats or intervention with bilirubin. Molecular docking suggested that bilirubin entered the hydrophobic pocket pre-formed in 5-HT_3A receptor with potential hydrogen bonding. Bilirubin also increased GABA concentrations in CSF and GABAergic spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current in spinal cord, and directly induced inward currents in HEK293 cells which were overexpressed 5-HT_3A receptor by lentivirus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bilirubin induced pain desensitization in cholestasis by activating 5-HT_3A receptor in spinal cord. The activation of 5-HT_3A receptor might regulate pain threshold by acting on the GABA pathway.

Electrophysiological Properties of Substantia Gelatinosa Neurons in the Preparation of a Slice of Middle-Aged Rat Spinal Cord

A patch-clamp recording in slices generated from the brain or the spinal cord has facilitated the exploration of neuronal circuits and the molecular mechanisms underlying neurological disorders. However, the rodents that are used to generate the spinal cord slices in previous studies involving a patch-clamp recording have been limited to those in the juvenile or adolescent stage. Here, we applied an N-methyl-D-glucamine HCl (NMDG-HCl) solution that enabled the patch-clamp recordings to be performed on the superficial dorsal horn neurons in the slices derived from middle-aged rats. The success rate of stable recordings from substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons was 34.6% (90/260). When stimulated with long current pulses, 43.3% (39/90) of the neurons presented a tonic-firing pattern, which was considered to represent γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic (GABAergic) signals. Presumptive glutamatergic neurons presented 38.9% (35/90) delayed and 8.3% (7/90) single-spike patterns. The intrinsic membrane properties of both the neuron types were similar but delayed (glutamatergic) neurons appeared to be more excitable as indicated by the decreased latency and rheobase values of the action potential compared with those of tonic (GABAergic) neurons. Furthermore, the glutamatergic neurons were integrated, which receive more excitatory synaptic transmission. We demonstrated that the NMDG-HCl cutting solution could be used to prepare the spinal cord slices of middle-aged rodents for the patch-clamp recording. In combination with other techniques, this preparation method might permit the further study of the functions of the spinal cord in the pathological processes that occur in aging-associated diseases.

The cellular mechanism by which the rostral ventromedial medulla acts on the spinal cord during chronic pain

Clinical therapies for chronic pain are limited. While targeted drugs are promising therapies for chronic pain, they exhibit insufficient efficacy and poor targeting. The occurrence of chronic pain partly results from central changes caused by alterations in neurons in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) in the brainstem regulatory pathway. The RVM, which plays a key role in the descending pain control pathway, greatly contributes to the development and maintenance of pain. However, the exact roles of the RVM in chronic pain remain unclear, making it difficult to develop new drugs targeting the RVM and related pathways. Here, we first discuss the roles of the RVM and related circuits in chronic pain. Then, we analyze synaptic transmission between RVM neurons and spinal cord neurons, specifically focusing on the release of neurotransmitters, to explore the cellular mechanisms by which the RVM regulates chronic pain. Finally, we propose some ideas for the development of drugs targeting the RVM.

Selective Ablation of Descending Serotonin from the Rostral Ventromedial Medulla Unmasks Its Pro-Nociceptive Role in Chemotherapy-Induced Painful Neuropathy

Purpose

Chemotherapy-induced painful neuropathy (CIPN) is a severe adverse effect of many anti-neoplastic drugs that is difficult to manage. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is an important neurotransmitter in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM), which modulates descending spinal nociceptive transmission. However, the influence of the descending 5-HT from the RVM on CIPN is poorly understood. We investigated the role of 5-HT released from descending RVM neurons in a paclitaxel-induced CIPN rat model.

Methods

CIPN rat model was produced by intraperitoneally injecting of paclitaxel. Pain behavioral assessments included mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia. 5-HT content was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to determine tryptophan hydroxylase (Tph) and c-Fos expression. The inhibitors p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) and SB203580 were administrated by stereotaxical RVM microinjection. Ondansetron was injected through intrathecal catheterization.

Results

The results demonstrated that Tph, the rate-limiting enzyme in 5-HT synthesis, was significantly upregulated in the RVM, and that spinal 5-HT release was increased in CIPN rats. Intra-RVM microinjection of Tph inhibitor PCPA significantly attenuated mechanical and thermal pain behavior through Tph downregulation and decreased spinal 5-HT. Intra-RVM administration of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) inhibitor SB203580 alleviated paclitaxel-induced pain in a similar manner to PCPA. Intrathecal injection of ondansetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, partially reversed paclitaxel-induced pain, indicating that 5-HT3 receptors were involved in descending serotoninergic modulation of spinal pain processing.

Conclusion

The results suggest that activation of the p38 MAPK pathway in the RVM leads to increased RVM Tph expression and descending serotoninergic projection to the spinal dorsal horn and contributes to the persistence of CIPN via spinal 5-HT3 receptors.

Anti-neuroinflammatory effects of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. In a Parkinson's mouse model through the regulation of p38/JNK-Fosl2 gene expression

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., a Chinese medicinal herb called "Duzhong" from the bark of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., has been shown to possess significant protective effects in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the molecular mechanism remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we explored the anti-neuroinflammatory mechanisms of Duzhong on the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD mouse model to elucidate the traditional medical theories with modern pharmacological methods and to provide a reference for further clarifying its mechanisms of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The representative components in Duzhong extract were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. Male C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected with MPTP to establish an in vivo PD model. The pole, rotarod, and grip strength tests were performed to evaluate the motor coordination ability of the PD mice. HPLC-ECD was used to detect the striatal levels of dopamine (DA), 3,4- dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA). The expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was studied by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot assays. ELISA and Q-PCR were used examined the levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the serum and midbrain, respectively. Whole-transcriptome analysis of the midbrain was performed to explore the therapeutic effect of Duzhong on PD mice, and Q-PCR was then used to validate the differential gene expression changes in the PD mice treated with Duzhong.

RESULTS

Ten compounds were identified from Duzhong extract. Duzhong significantly alleviated the behavioral impairments and dopaminergic neuron degeneration of PD mice, and inhibited the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Whole-transcriptome analysis revealed nine oppositely regulated genes, and the Fosl2 gene was consistent with the trend of observed by RNA-seq. Furthermore, Duzhong downregulated mRNA expression of p38 and JNK, which are key upstream genes of Fosl2.

CONCLUSIONS

Duzhong has promising therapeutic potential in PD mice, and its molecular mechanism is mediated by downregulating p38/JNK-Fosl2 gene expression to alleviate neuroinflammation.

Potential of animal models for advancing the understanding and treatment of pain in Parkinson's disease

Pain is a commonly occurring non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Treatment of pain in PD remains less than optimal and a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms would facilitate discovery of improved analgesics. Animal models of PD have already proven helpful for furthering the understanding and treatment of motor symptoms of PD, but could these models offer insight into pain in PD? This review addresses the current position regarding pain in preclinical models of PD, covering the face and predictive validity of existing models and their use so far in advancing understanding of the mechanisms contributing to pain in PD. While pain itself is not usually measured in animals, nociception in the form of thermal, mechanical or chemical nociceptive thresholds offers a useful readout, given reduced nociceptive thresholds are commonly seen in PD patients. Animal models of PD including the reserpine-treated rat and neurodegenerative models such as the MPTP-treated mouse and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-treated rat each exhibit reduced nociceptive thresholds, supporting face validity of these models. Furthermore, some interventions known clinically to relieve pain in PD, such as dopaminergic therapies and deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus, restore nociceptive thresholds in one or more models, supporting their predictive validity. Mechanistic insight gained already includes involvement of central and spinal dopamine and opioid systems. Moving forward, these preclinical models should advance understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying pain in PD and provide test beds for examining the efficacy of novel analgesics to better treat this debilitating non-motor symptom.

Sensory neuropathy and nociception in rodent models of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) often manifests with prodromal pain and sensory losses whose etiologies are not well understood. Multiple genetic and toxicity-based rodent models of PD partly recapitulate the histopathology and motor function deficits. Although far less studied, there is some evidence that rodents, similar to humans, develop sensory manifestations of the disease, which may precede motor disturbances and help to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of PD-associated pain at the molecular and neuron circuit levels. The present Review summarizes nociception and other sensory functions in frequently used rodent PD models within the context of the complex phenotypes. In terms of mechanisms, it appears that the acute loss of dopaminergic neurons in systemic toxicity models (MPTP, rotenone) primarily causes nociceptive hyperexcitability, presumably owing to a loss of inhibitory control, whereas genetic models primarily result in a progressive loss of heat perception, reflecting sensory fiber neuropathies. At the molecular level, neither α-synuclein deposits alone nor failure of mitophagy alone appear to be strong enough to result in axonal or synaptic pathology of nociceptive neurons that manifest at the behavioral level, and peripheral sensory loss may mask central ‘pain’ in behavioral tests. Hence, allostatic combinations or additional challenges and novel behavioral assessments are needed to better evaluate PD-associated sensory neuropathies and pain in rodents.

Summary: Rodent models of Parkinson's disease partially develop prodromal somatosensory and olfactory dysfunctions reminiscent of sensory neuropathies in patients and reveal mechanistic insight, but data are incomplete and fragmented.

Parkinson's disease and pain: Modulation of nociceptive circuitry in a rat model of nigrostriatal lesion

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes progressive dysfunction of dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic neurons, generating motor and nonmotor signs and symptoms. Pain is reported as the most bothersome nonmotor symptom in PD; however, pain remains overlooked and poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the nociceptive behavior and the descending analgesia circuitry in a rat model of PD. Three independent experiments were performed to investigate: i) thermal nociceptive behavior; ii) mechanical nociceptive behavior and dopaminergic repositioning; and iii) modulation of the pain control circuitry. The rat model of PD, induced by unilateral striatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), did not interfere with thermal nociceptive responses; however, the mechanical nociceptive threshold was decreased bilaterally compared to that of naive or striatal saline-injected rats. This response was reversed by apomorphine or levodopa treatment. Striatal 6-OHDA induced motor impairments and reduced dopaminergic neuron immunolabeling as well as the pattern of neuronal activation (c-Fos) in the substantia nigra ipsilateral (IPL) to the lesion. In the midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG), 6-OHDA-induced lesion increased IPL and decreased contralateral PAG GABAergic labeling compared to control. In the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, lesioned rats showed bilateral inhibition of enkephalin and μ-opioid receptor labeling. Taken together, we demonstrated that the unilateral 6-OHDA-induced PD model induces bilateral mechanical hypernociception, which is reversed by dopamine restoration, changes in the PAG circuitry, and inhibition of spinal opioidergic regulation, probably due to impaired descending analgesic control. A better understanding of pain mechanisms in PD patients is critical for developing better therapeutic strategies to improve their quality of life.