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Lin YL, Yang ZS, Wong WY, Lin SC, Wang SJ, Chen SP, Cheng JK, Lu H, Lien CC. Cellular mechanisms underlying central sensitization in a mouse model of chronic muscle pain. eLife 2022; 11:78610. [PMID: 36377439 PMCID: PMC9665847 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain disorders are often associated with negative emotions, including anxiety and depression. The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) has emerged as an integrative hub for nociceptive and affective components during central pain development. Prior adverse injuries are precipitating factors thought to transform nociceptors into a primed state for chronic pain. However, the cellular basis underlying the primed state and the subsequent development of chronic pain remains unknown. Here, we investigated the cellular and synaptic alterations of the CeA in a mouse model of chronic muscle pain. In these mice, local infusion of pregabalin, a clinically approved drug for fibromyalgia and other chronic pain disorders, into the CeA or chemogenetic inactivation of the somatostatin-expressing CeA (CeA-SST) neurons during the priming phase prevented the chronification of pain. Further, electrophysiological recording revealed that the CeA-SST neurons had increased excitatory synaptic drive and enhanced neuronal excitability in the chronic pain states. Finally, either chemogenetic inactivation of the CeA-SST neurons or pharmacological suppression of the nociceptive afferents from the brainstem to the CeA-SST neurons alleviated chronic pain and anxio-depressive symptoms. These data raise the possibility of targeting treatments to CeA-SST neurons to prevent central pain sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Lin
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
| | - Zhu-Sen Yang
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
| | - Wai-Yi Wong
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
| | - Shih-Che Lin
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
| | - Shuu-Jiun Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
| | - Shih-Pin Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
| | - Jen-Kun Cheng
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College
- Department of Anesthesiology, MacKay Memorial Hospital
| | - Hui Lu
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University
| | - Cheng-Chang Lien
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
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Ji G, Neugebauer V. Kappa opioid receptors in the central amygdala modulate spinal nociceptive processing through an action on amygdala CRF neurons. Mol Brain 2020; 13:128. [PMID: 32948219 PMCID: PMC7501648 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00669-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The amygdala plays an important role in the emotional-affective aspects of behaviors and pain, but can also modulate sensory aspect of pain ("nociception"), likely through coupling to descending modulatory systems. Here we explored the functional coupling of the amygdala to spinal nociception. We found that pharmacological activation of neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) increased the activity of spinal dorsal horn neurons; and this effect was blocked by optogenetic silencing of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) positive CeA neurons. A kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist (U-69,593) was administered into the CeA by microdialysis. KOR was targeted because of their role in averse-affective behaviors through actions in limbic brain regions. Extracellular single-unit recordings were made of CeA neurons or spinal dorsal horn neurons in anesthetized transgenic Crh-Cre rats. Neurons responded more strongly to noxious than innocuous stimuli. U-69,593 increased the responses of CeA and spinal neurons to innocuous and noxious mechanical stimulation of peripheral tissues. The facilitatory effect of the agonist was blocked by optical silencing of CRF-CeA neurons though light activation of halorhodopsin expressed in these neurons by viral-vector. The CRF system in the amygdala has been implicated in aversiveness and pain modulation. The results suggest that the amygdala can modulate spinal nociceptive processing in a positive direction through CRF-CeA neurons and that KOR activation in the amygdala (CeA) has pro-nociceptive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangchen Ji
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, 3601 4th St, Lubbock, TX, 79430-6592, USA
- Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Volker Neugebauer
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, 3601 4th St, Lubbock, TX, 79430-6592, USA.
- Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
- Garrison Institute on Aging, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
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Lesnak J, Sluka KA. Chronic non-inflammatory muscle pain: central and peripheral mediators. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 11:67-74. [PMID: 31998857 PMCID: PMC6988739 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Conditions with chronic widespread non-inflammatory muscle pain, such as fibromyalgia, have complex etiologies with numerous proposed mechanisms for their pathophysiology of underlying chronic pain. Advancements in neuroimaging have allowed for the study of brain function and connectivity in humans with these conditions, while development of animal models have allowed for the study of both peripheral and central factors that lead to chronic pain. This article reviews the current literature surrounding the pathophysiology of chronic widespread non-inflammatory muscle pain focusing on both peripheral and central nervous system, as well as immune system, contributions to the development and maintenance of pain. A better understanding of the mechanisms underlying these conditions can allow for improvements in patient education, treatment and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Lesnak
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Pain Research Program, 1-242 MEB, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52252, USA
| | - Kathleen A. Sluka
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Pain Research Program, 1-242 MEB, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52252, USA
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Ovarian Hormone-dependent and Spinal ERK Activation-regulated Nociceptive Hypersensitivity in Female Rats with Acid Injection-induced Chronic Widespread Muscle Pain. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3077. [PMID: 30816240 PMCID: PMC6395742 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39472-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Symptoms of chronic widespread muscle pain (CWP) meet most of the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia syndrome, which is prevalent in females. We used an acid injection-induced muscle pain (AIMP) model to mimic CWP. After female rats received an ovariectomy (OVX), acid saline solution was injected into the left gastrocnemius muscle. Time courses of changes in pain behaviours and p-ERK in the spinal cord were compared between groups. Intrathecal injections of oestradiol (E2) to the OVX group before two acid injections and E2 or progesterone (P4) injections in male rats were compared to evaluate hormone effects. We found that repeated acid injections produced mechanical hypersensitivity and enhanced p-ERK expression in the spinal dorsal horn. OVX rats exhibited significantly less tactile allodynia than did the rats in the other groups. The ERK inhibitor U0126 alleviated mechanical allodynia with lower p-ERK expression in the sham females but did not affect the OVX rats. Intrathecal E2 reversed the attenuated mechanical hypersensitivity in the OVX group, and E2 or P4 induced transient hyperalgesia in male rats. Accordingly, our results suggested that ovarian hormones contribute to AIMP through a spinal p-ERK-mediated pathway. These findings may partially explain the higher prevalence of fibromyalgia in females than males.
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Wang XQ, Zhong XL, Li ZB, Wang HT, Zhang J, Li F, Zhang JY, Dai RP, Xin-Fu Z, Li CQ, Li ZY, Bi FF. Differential roles of hippocampal glutamatergic receptors in neuropathic anxiety-like behavior after partial sciatic nerve ligation in rats. BMC Neurosci 2015; 16:14. [PMID: 25884414 PMCID: PMC4372276 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-015-0150-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain evoked by nerve injury is frequently accompanied by deterioration of emotional behaviors, but the underlying signaling mechanisms remain elusive. Glutamate (Glu) is the major mediator of excitatory synaptic transmission throughout the brain, and abnormal activity of the glutamatergic system has been implicated in the pathophysiology of pain and associated emotional comorbidities. In this study we used the partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL) model of neuropathic pain in rats to characterize the development of anxiety-like behavior, the expression of glutamatergic receptors, and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the hippocampus, the region that encodes memories related to emotions. RESULTS We found that the mechanical withdrawal threshold was significantly reduced and an anxiety-like behavior was increased as determined via open field tests and elevated plus-maze tests at 28 days after injury. No significant differences were found in the ratio of sucrose preference and immobility time detected by sucrose preference tests and forced swimming tests respectively, possibly due to the timing factor. The expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subtypes NR1 and NR2B, but not NR2A, GluR1, or GluR2 (the main subtype of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid [AMPA] receptor) in the hippocampus of injured rats was significantly reduced. Moreover, PSNL resulted in decreased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in the hippocampus. Intriguingly, treatment with D-serine (a co-agonist of NMDA receptor, 1 g/kg intraperitoneally) reduced the anxiety-like behavior but not the mechanical hypersensitivity induced by PSNL. CONCLUSIONS PSNL can induce significant anxiety-like but not depression-like behavior, and trigger down-regulation of NMDA but not AMPA receptors in the hippocampus at 28 days after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Qin Wang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 138, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,Department of Anesthesiology, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 138, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Xiao-Lin Zhong
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Zhi-Bin Li
- Department of Neurology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, XiangYa Road 88, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Hong-Tao Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Jian-Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Ru-Ping Dai
- Department of Anesthesia, the Second XiangYa Hospital of Central South University, Ren-Min Road 86, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Zhou Xin-Fu
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Sansom Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Chang-Qi Li
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Zhi-Yuan Li
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Fang-Fang Bi
- Department of Neurology, XiangYa Hospital, Central South University, XiangYa Road 88, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Gregory NS, Sluka KA. Anatomical and physiological factors contributing to chronic muscle pain. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2014; 20:327-48. [PMID: 24633937 PMCID: PMC4294469 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2014_294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Chronic muscle pain remains a significant source of suffering and disability despite the adoption of pharmacologic and physical therapies. Muscle pain is mediated by free nerve endings distributed through the muscle along arteries. These nerves project to the superficial dorsal horn and are transmitted primarily through the spinothalamic tract to several cortical and subcortical structures, some of which are more active during the processing of muscle pain than other painful conditions. Mechanical forces, ischemia, and inflammation are the primary stimuli for muscle pain, which is reflected in the array of peripheral receptors contributing to muscle pain-ASIC, P2X, and TRP channels. Sensitization of peripheral receptors and of central pain processing structures are both critical for the development and maintenance of chronic muscle pain. Further, variations in peripheral receptors and central structures contribute to the significantly greater prevalence of chronic muscle pain in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas S Gregory
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Iowa, 3144 Med Labs, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA,
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Liang D, Han G, Feng X, Sun J, Duan Y, Lei H. Concerted perturbation observed in a hub network in Alzheimer's disease. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40498. [PMID: 22815752 PMCID: PMC3398025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease involving the alteration of gene expression at the whole genome level. Genome-wide transcriptional profiling of AD has been conducted by many groups on several relevant brain regions. However, identifying the most critical dys-regulated genes has been challenging. In this work, we addressed this issue by deriving critical genes from perturbed subnetworks. Using a recent microarray dataset on six brain regions, we applied a heaviest induced subgraph algorithm with a modular scoring function to reveal the significantly perturbed subnetwork in each brain region. These perturbed subnetworks were found to be significantly overlapped with each other. Furthermore, the hub genes from these perturbed subnetworks formed a connected hub network consisting of 136 genes. Comparison between AD and several related diseases demonstrated that the hub network was robustly and specifically perturbed in AD. In addition, strong correlation between the expression level of these hub genes and indicators of AD severity suggested that this hub network can partially reflect AD progression. More importantly, this hub network reflected the adaptation of neurons to the AD-specific microenvironment through a variety of adjustments, including reduction of neuronal and synaptic activities and alteration of survival signaling. Therefore, it is potentially useful for the development of biomarkers and network medicine for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Liang
- CAS key laboratory of genome sciences and information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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