Loss of T-type calcium current in sensory neurons of rats with neuropathic pain

BACKGROUND: Pathophysiology in the primary sensory neuron may contribute to chronic neuropathic pain. Ca channels play a central role in neuronal processes, and sensory neurons are rich in low-voltage-activated calcium channels (LVACCs). However, the physiologic function of these channels is unknown. Their possible role in rebound burst firing makes them a candidate for increased excitability after neuropathic injury. METHODS: This study uses pharmacological methods to isolate LVACC in cells from the dorsal root ganglia of neuropathic and sham-operated rats, including the blockade of high-voltage-activated Ca channels with fluoride and selective toxins. LVACCs were examined with conventional whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology techniques. RESULTS: After chronic constriction injury of the peripheral axon, LVACC was significantly reduced compared to sham rats as shown by a 60% reduction in peak current density and an 80% reduction in total calcium influx. A depolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of activation and an increase in the rate of deactivation and inactivation appear to cause this reduction of LVACC. Either Ni2+ or mibefradil, blockers of LVACC, applied in the bath to normal dorsal root ganglion cells during current clamp significantly and reversibly increased excitability. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that loss of LVACC may contribute to decreased spike frequency adaptation and increased excitability after injury to sensory neurons. Through decreased Ca2+ influx, the cell becomes less stable and more likely to initiate or transmit bursts of action potentials. Consequently, modulation of Ca2+ currents at the dorsal root ganglion may be a potential method of therapeutic intervention.     

Gabapentin decreases membrane calcium currents in injured as well as in control mammalian primary afferent neurons.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neuropathic pain following injury to peripheral sensory neurons is a common clinical problem and frequently difficult to treat. Gabapentin (GBP), a novel anticonvulsant, has significant analgesic effects in clinical neuropathic states and in relevant preclinical models, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. Because calcium currents play a significant role in neuronal function, this study was designed to assess the effect of GBP on the membrane voltage-activated inward calcium currents (I(Ca)) in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) primary afferent neurons of neuropathic versus control rats. METHODS: Male rats were prepared according to the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model. The L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia of those selected as CCI or control after appropriate behavioral testing were removed, and neurons were enzymatically dissociated. Fluorescent dye (DiI) placed at the injury site allowed identification of neurons projecting to that site. These were acutely studied using whole-cell, perforated (with beta-escin) patch-clamp recordings. Additionally, neurons from sham or nonoperated rats were also studied. RESULTS: Although there was marked variability among cells, concentrations of GBP ranging from 0.1 to 300 micromol/L decreased neuronal peak ICa in midsized neurons (30 to 40 microm) of both sham and neuropathic rats, in a fast, reversible, and concentration-dependent manner. Intergroup differences were not significant, however the concentration-response EC50s were 2.7 micromol/L for the sham and 16.5 micromol/L for the CCI neurons. The drug suppressed I(Ca) in nonoperated rats to a lesser degree, but changes did not differ significantly from the operated groups. Calcium currents in either small or large diameter neurons were also variably decreased by 10 micromol/L of GBP in sham and CCI neurons. Current inhibition by GBP was partly voltage dependent. CONCLUSIONS: GBP, at clinically relevant concentrations, results in significant reduction of I(Ca) in both sham and neuropathic neurons, while in nonoperated rats reduced I(Ca) to a smaller degree. Sensitivity to drug was not affected by neuropathy. This current inhibition is partly voltage dependent. Depression of I(Ca) may be partly related to the binding of the drug to the alpha(2)delta modulatory subunit of the voltage activated calcium channels (VACC). Analgesia may be due to diminished release of neurotransmitter by sensory neurons, a Ca(2+)-dependent process.     

Contribution of calcium channel subtypes to the intracellular calcium signal in sensory neurons: the effect of injury

BACKGROUND: Although the activation-induced intracellular Ca signal is disrupted by sensory neuron injury, the contribution of specific Ca channel subtypes is unknown. METHODS: Transients in dissociated rat dorsal root ganglion neurons were recorded using fura-2 microfluorometry. Neurons from control rats and from neuropathic animals after spinal nerve ligation were activated either by elevated bath K or by field stimulation. Transients were compared before and after application of selective blockers of voltage-activated Ca channel subtypes. RESULTS: Transient amplitude and area were decreased by blockade of the L-type channel, particularly during sustained K stimulation. Significant contributions to the Ca transient are attributable to the N-, P/Q-, and R-type channels, especially in small neurons. Results for T-type blockade varied widely between cells. After injury, transients lost sensitivity to N-type and R-type blockers in axotomized small neurons, whereas adjacent small neurons showed decreased responses to blockers of R-type channels. Axotomized large neurons were less sensitive to blockade of N- and P/Q-type channels. After injury, neurons adjacent to axotomy show decreased sensitivity of K-induced transients to L-type blockade but increased sensitivity during field stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: All high-voltage-activated Ca current subtypes contribute to Ca transients in sensory neurons, although the L-type channel contributes predominantly during prolonged activation. Injury shifts the relative contribution of various Ca channel subtypes to the intracellular Ca transient induced by neuronal activation. Because this effect is cell-size specific, selective therapies might potentially be devised to differentially alter excitability of nociceptive and low-threshold sensory neurons.     

Contribution of Calcium Channel Subtypes to the Intracellular Calcium Signal in Sensory Neurons: The Effect of Injury

Background: Although the activation-induced intracellular Ca2+ signal is disrupted by sensory neuron injury, the contribution of specific Ca2+ channel subtypes is unknown.

Methods: Transients in dissociated rat dorsal root ganglion neurons were recorded using fura-2 microfluorometry. Neurons from control rats and from neuropathic animals after spinal nerve ligation were activated either by elevated bath K+ or by field stimulation. Transients were compared before and after application of selective blockers of voltage-activated Ca2+ channel subtypes.

Results: Transient amplitude and area were decreased by blockade of the L-type channel, particularly during sustained K+ stimulation. Significant contributions to the Ca2+ transient are attributable to the N-, P/Q-, and R-type channels, especially in small neurons. Results for T-type blockade varied widely between cells. After injury, transients lost sensitivity to N-type and R-type blockers in axotomized small neurons, whereas adjacent small neurons showed decreased responses to blockers of R-type channels. Axotomized large neurons were less sensitive to blockade of N- and P/Q-type channels. After injury, neurons adjacent to axotomy show decreased sensitivity of K+-induced transients to L-type blockade but increased sensitivity during field stimulation.     

Painful neuropathy alters the effect of gabapentin on sensory neuron excitability in rats

BACKGROUND: Pain following peripheral nerve injury is associated with increased excitability of sensory neurons. Gabapentin (GBP), a novel anticonvulsant with an uncertain mechanism of action, is an effective treatment for neuropathic pain. We therefore investigated the effect of GBP on dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from normal rats and those with painful peripheral nerve injury. METHODS: Dorsal root ganglions were excised from rats with neuropathic pain behaviour following chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, and from normal rats. Intercellular recordings were made from myelinated sensory neuron somata using a microelectrode technique from DRGs bathed in artificial CSF with or without GBP (100 microM). RESULTS: Compared with normal neurons, injury decreased the refractory interval (RI) for repeat action potential (AP) generation increased the number of APs during sustained depolarization, and shortened the after hyperpolarization following an AP. In normal neurons, GBP decreased the RI and increased the AP number during sustained depolarization. In an opposite fashion, the result of GBP application to injured neurons was a decreased number of APs during depolarization and no change in RI. In injured neurons only, GBP increased the time-to-peak for AP depolarization. CONCLUSIONS: Nerve injury by CCI is associated with increased sensory neuron excitability, associated with a decreased AHP. In normal peripheral sensory neurons, GBP has pro-excitatory effects, whereas GBP decreases excitability in injured neurons, possibly on the basis of altered sodium channel function.     

Painful peripheral nerve injury decreases calcium current in axotomized sensory neurons

BACKGROUND: Reports of Ca(2+) current I(Ca) loss after injury to peripheral sensory neurons do not discriminate between axotomized and spared neurons. The spinal nerve ligation model separates axotomized from spared neurons innervating the same site. The authors hypothesized that I(Ca) loss is a result of neuronal injury, so they compared axotomized L5 dorsal root ganglion neurons to spared L4 neurons, as well as neurons from rats undergoing skin incision alone. METHODS: After behavioral testing, dissociated neurons from L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia were studied in both current and voltage patch clamp modes. The biophysical consequence of I(Ca) loss on the action potential was confirmed using selective I(Ca) antagonists. Data were grouped into small, medium, and large cells for comparison. RESULTS: Reduced I(Ca) was predominantly a consequence of axotomy (L5 after spinal nerve ligation) and was most evident in small and medium neurons. ICa losses were associated with action potential prolongation in small and medium cells, whereas the amplitude and duration of after hyperpolarization was reduced in medium and large neurons. Blockade with Ca(2+) channel antagonists showed that action potential prolongation and after hyperpolarization diminution were alike, attributable to the loss of I(Ca). CONCLUSION: Axotomy is required for I(Ca) loss. I(Ca) loss correlated with changes in the biophysical properties of sensory neuron membranes during action potential generation, which were due to I(Ca) loss leading to decreased outward Ca(2+)-sensitive K currents. Taken together, these results suggest that neuropathic pain may be mediated, in part, by loss of I(Ca) and the cellular processes dependent on Ca(2+).     

Painful Peripheral Nerve Injury Decreases Calcium Current in Axotomized Sensory Neurons

Background: Reports of Ca2+ current (ICa) loss after injury to peripheral sensory neurons do not discriminate between axotomized and spared neurons. The spinal nerve ligation model separates axotomized from spared neurons innervating the same site. The authors hypothesized that ICa loss is a result of neuronal injury, so they compared axotomized L5 dorsal root ganglion neurons to spared L4 neurons, as well as neurons from rats undergoing skin incision alone.

Methods: After behavioral testing, dissociated neurons from L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia were studied in both current and voltage patch clamp modes. The biophysical consequence of ICa loss on the action potential was confirmed using selective ICa antagonists. Data were grouped into small, medium, and large cells for comparison.

Results: Reduced ICa was predominantly a consequence of axotomy (L5 after spinal nerve ligation) and was most evident in small and medium neurons. ICa losses were associated with action potential prolongation in small and medium cells, whereas the amplitude and duration of after hyperpolarization was reduced in medium and large neurons. Blockade with Ca2+ channel antagonists showed that action potential prolongation and after hyperpolarization diminution were alike, attributable to the loss of ICa.     

神经病理性痛大鼠背根神经节神经元高电压激活钙电流的变化

目的 观察神经病理性痛大鼠损伤和邻近未损伤背根神经节神经元高电压激活钙电流的变化.方法 雄性SD大鼠,周龄4～6周,采用结扎左侧L5脊神经的方法制备神经病理性痛模型.于结扎后14 d时采用酶消化法急性分离结扎侧邻近未损伤L4背根神经节神经元(L4组)和损伤L5背根神经节神经元(L5组),另取正常大鼠L4.5背根神经节神经元作为对照组(C组).采用全细胞膜片钳技术记录神经元高电压激活钙电流,绘制钙电流激活曲线及稳态失活曲线;记录各亚型高电压激活钙电流.结果 与C组比较,L4组和L5组峰电流密度降低,L5组钙电流激活曲线向超极化方向移动,N型钙电流比例升高,L型钙电流比例降低(P＜0.05);与L4组比较,L5组峰电流密度降低,钙电流激活曲线向超极化方向移动,N型钙电流比例升高,L型钙电流比例降低(P＜0.05).3组钙电流半数失活电压差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 损伤背根神经节神经元高电压激活钙电流可能在诱发大鼠神经病理性痛的过程中起主要作用.     

Injury to dorsal root ganglia alters innervation of spinal cord dorsal horn lamina involved in nociception

STUDY DESIGN: A study of the relation between the development of mechanical allodynia and the reorganization of primary afferent terminals in the sensory lamina of the rat spinal cord dorsal horn after partial dorsal root ganglion injury in rats. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the pathologic mechanisms of mechanical allodynia after partial dorsal root ganglion injury. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: After experimental peripheral nerve injury causing neuropathic pain, myelinated afferent fibers sprout into lamina II of the dorsal horn. This lamina is associated with nociceptive-specific neurons that generally are not stimulated by myelinated fiber input from mechanical receptors. These morphologic changes are suggested to have significance in the pathogenesis of chronic mechanical allodynia, although it is not known whether this kind of morphologic change occurs after dorsal root ganglion injury. METHODS: After partial dorsal root ganglion crush injury, the mechanical force causing footpad withdrawal was measured with von Frey hairs, and myelinated primary afferents were labeled with cholera toxin B subunit horseradish peroxidase, a selective myelinated fiber tracer that identifies transganglionic synapses. RESULTS: After partial dorsal root ganglion injury, mechanical allodynia developed in the corresponding footpad within 3 days and persisted throughout the experimental period. At 2 and 4 weeks after the injury, B subunit horseradish peroxidase-positive fibers, presumably myelinated afferents, were observed to be sprouting into lamina II of the dorsal horn on the injured side, but not on the contralateral control side. CONCLUSIONS: Morphologic change in spinal cord dorsal horn lamina II occurs after partial dorsal root ganglion injury. This change may have significance in the pathogenesis of chronic mechanical allodynia after partial dorsal root ganglion injury.     

Painful Nerve Injury Decreases Resting Cytosolic Calcium Concentrations in Sensory Neurons of Rats

Background: Neuropathic pain is difficult to treat and poorly understood at the cellular level. Although cytoplasmic calcium ([Ca2+]c) critically regulates neuronal function, the effects of peripheral nerve injury on resting sensory neuronal [Ca2+]c are unknown.

Methods: Resting [Ca2+]c was determined by microfluorometry in Fura-2 AM-loaded neurons dissociated from dorsal root ganglia of animals with hyperalgesia to mechanical stimulation after spinal nerve ligation and section (SNL) at the fifth and sixth lumbar (L5 and L6) levels and from animals after skin incision alone (control group). Axotomized neurons from the L5 dorsal root ganglia were examined separately from adjacent L4 neurons that share the sciatic nerve with degenerating L5 fibers.

Results: After SNL, large (34 [mu]m or larger) neurons from the L4 ganglion showed a 29% decrease in resting [Ca2+]c, whereas those from the L5 ganglion showed a 54% decrease. Small neurons only showed an effect of injury in the axotomized L5 neurons, in which resting [Ca2+]c decreased by 30%. A decrease in resting [Ca2+]c was not seen in neurons isolated from rats in which hyperalgesia did not develop after SNL. In separate experiments, SNL reduced resting [Ca2+]c in capsaicin-insensitive neurons of the L5 ganglion by 60%, but there was no change in neurons from L4. Resting [Ca2+]c of capsaicin-sensitive neurons was not affected by injury in either ganglion. SNL injury decreased the proportion of neurons sensitive to capsaicin in the L5 group but increased the proportion in the L4 group.     

神经病理性痛大鼠背根神经节神经元电生理学的改变

目的 探讨神经病理性痛大鼠背根神经节(DRG)神经元电生理学的改变.方法 成年雄性sD大鼠20只,周龄3～4周,体重100～150 g,随机分为对照组(C组,n=5)和神经病理性痛组(NP组,n=15).采用坐骨神经慢性压迫性损伤(CCI)法制备神经病理性痛模型.于CCI前1d和CCI 后第4天测定热痛阈和机械痛阈.痛阈测定后,急性分离大鼠DRG神经元,采用全细胞膜片钳技术记录其电生理学活动.结果 与CCI前1d比较,NP组CCI后第4天热痛阈和机械痛阈均降低(P<0.05);与c组比较,NP组DRG小神经元基强度降低,膜电位、重复放电率和自发放电率均升高(P<0.05或0.01),阚电位和超射值差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),DRG中神经元膜电位、阈电位、自发放电率升高,基强度降低(P<0.05或0.01),超射值差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),DRG大神经元阈电位升高(P<0.05),其余指标差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 神经病理性痛大鼠DRG神经元电生理学的改变主要发生在DRG中、小神经元上,表现为兴奋性升高、重复放电和自发放电现象增多.     

神经病理性痛大鼠背根神经节神经元电生理学的改变

目的 探讨神经病理性痛大鼠背根神经节(DRG)神经元电生理学的改变.方法 成年雄性sD大鼠20只,周龄3～4周,体重100～150 g,随机分为对照组(C组,n=5)和神经病理性痛组(NP组,n=15).采用坐骨神经慢性压迫性损伤(CCI)法制备神经病理性痛模型.于CCI前1d和CCI 后第4天测定热痛阈和机械痛阈.痛阈测定后,急性分离大鼠DRG神经元,采用全细胞膜片钳技术记录其电生理学活动.结果 与CCI前1d比较,NP组CCI后第4天热痛阈和机械痛阈均降低(P<0.05);与c组比较,NP组DRG小神经元基强度降低,膜电位、重复放电率和自发放电率均升高(P<0.05或0.01),阚电位和超射值差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),DRG中神经元膜电位、阈电位、自发放电率升高,基强度降低(P<0.05或0.01),超射值差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),DRG大神经元阈电位升高(P<0.05),其余指标差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 神经病理性痛大鼠DRG神经元电生理学的改变主要发生在DRG中、小神经元上,表现为兴奋性升高、重复放电和自发放电现象增多.     

神经病理性痛大鼠背根神经节神经元电生理学的改变

目的 探讨神经病理性痛大鼠背根神经节(DRG)神经元电生理学的改变.方法 成年雄性sD大鼠20只,周龄3～4周,体重100～150 g,随机分为对照组(C组,n=5)和神经病理性痛组(NP组,n=15).采用坐骨神经慢性压迫性损伤(CCI)法制备神经病理性痛模型.于CCI前1d和CCI 后第4天测定热痛阈和机械痛阈.痛阈测定后,急性分离大鼠DRG神经元,采用全细胞膜片钳技术记录其电生理学活动.结果 与CCI前1d比较,NP组CCI后第4天热痛阈和机械痛阈均降低(P<0.05);与c组比较,NP组DRG小神经元基强度降低,膜电位、重复放电率和自发放电率均升高(P<0.05或0.01),阚电位和超射值差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),DRG中神经元膜电位、阈电位、自发放电率升高,基强度降低(P<0.05或0.01),超射值差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),DRG大神经元阈电位升高(P<0.05),其余指标差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 神经病理性痛大鼠DRG神经元电生理学的改变主要发生在DRG中、小神经元上,表现为兴奋性升高、重复放电和自发放电现象增多.     

神经病理性痛大鼠背根神经节神经元电生理学的改变

目的 探讨神经病理性痛大鼠背根神经节(DRG)神经元电生理学的改变.方法 成年雄性sD大鼠20只,周龄3～4周,体重100～150 g,随机分为对照组(C组,n=5)和神经病理性痛组(NP组,n=15).采用坐骨神经慢性压迫性损伤(CCI)法制备神经病理性痛模型.于CCI前1d和CCI 后第4天测定热痛阈和机械痛阈.痛阈测定后,急性分离大鼠DRG神经元,采用全细胞膜片钳技术记录其电生理学活动.结果 与CCI前1d比较,NP组CCI后第4天热痛阈和机械痛阈均降低(P<0.05);与c组比较,NP组DRG小神经元基强度降低,膜电位、重复放电率和自发放电率均升高(P<0.05或0.01),阚电位和超射值差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),DRG中神经元膜电位、阈电位、自发放电率升高,基强度降低(P<0.05或0.01),超射值差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),DRG大神经元阈电位升高(P<0.05),其余指标差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 神经病理性痛大鼠DRG神经元电生理学的改变主要发生在DRG中、小神经元上,表现为兴奋性升高、重复放电和自发放电现象增多.     

神经病理性痛大鼠背根神经节神经元电生理学的改变

目的 探讨神经病理性痛大鼠背根神经节(DRG)神经元电生理学的改变.方法 成年雄性sD大鼠20只,周龄3～4周,体重100～150 g,随机分为对照组(C组,n=5)和神经病理性痛组(NP组,n=15).采用坐骨神经慢性压迫性损伤(CCI)法制备神经病理性痛模型.于CCI前1d和CCI 后第4天测定热痛阈和机械痛阈.痛阈测定后,急性分离大鼠DRG神经元,采用全细胞膜片钳技术记录其电生理学活动.结果 与CCI前1d比较,NP组CCI后第4天热痛阈和机械痛阈均降低(P<0.05);与c组比较,NP组DRG小神经元基强度降低,膜电位、重复放电率和自发放电率均升高(P<0.05或0.01),阚电位和超射值差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),DRG中神经元膜电位、阈电位、自发放电率升高,基强度降低(P<0.05或0.01),超射值差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),DRG大神经元阈电位升高(P<0.05),其余指标差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 神经病理性痛大鼠DRG神经元电生理学的改变主要发生在DRG中、小神经元上,表现为兴奋性升高、重复放电和自发放电现象增多.     

神经病理性痛大鼠背根神经节神经元电生理学的改变

目的 探讨神经病理性痛大鼠背根神经节(DRG)神经元电生理学的改变.方法 成年雄性sD大鼠20只,周龄3～4周,体重100～150 g,随机分为对照组(C组,n=5)和神经病理性痛组(NP组,n=15).采用坐骨神经慢性压迫性损伤(CCI)法制备神经病理性痛模型.于CCI前1d和CCI 后第4天测定热痛阈和机械痛阈.痛阈测定后,急性分离大鼠DRG神经元,采用全细胞膜片钳技术记录其电生理学活动.结果 与CCI前1d比较,NP组CCI后第4天热痛阈和机械痛阈均降低(P<0.05);与c组比较,NP组DRG小神经元基强度降低,膜电位、重复放电率和自发放电率均升高(P<0.05或0.01),阚电位和超射值差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),DRG中神经元膜电位、阈电位、自发放电率升高,基强度降低(P<0.05或0.01),超射值差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),DRG大神经元阈电位升高(P<0.05),其余指标差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论 神经病理性痛大鼠DRG神经元电生理学的改变主要发生在DRG中、小神经元上,表现为兴奋性升高、重复放电和自发放电现象增多.     

Suppression of Potassium Conductance by Droperidol Has Influence on Excitability of Spinal Sensory Neurons

Background: During spinal and epidural anesthesia with opioids, droperidol is added to prevent nausea and vomiting. The mechanisms of its action on spinal sensory neurons are not well understood. It was previously shown that droperidol selectively blocks a fast component of the Na+ current. The authors studied the action of droperidol on voltage-gated K+ channels and its effect on membrane excitability in spinal dorsal horn neurons of the rat.

Methods: Using a combination of the patch-clamp technique and the "entire soma isolation" method, the action of droperidol on fast-inactivating A-type and delayed-rectifier K+ channels was investigated. Current-clamp recordings from intact sensory neurons in spinal cord slices were performed to study the functional meaning of K+ channel block for neuronal excitability.

Results: Droperidol blocked delayed-rectifier K+ currents in isolated somata of dorsal horn neurons with a half-maximum inhibiting concentration of 20.6 [mu]m. The A-type K+ current was insensitive to up to 100 [mu]m droperidol. At droperidol concentrations insufficient for suppression of an action potential, the block of delayed-rectifier K+ channels led to an increase in action potential duration and, as a consequence, to lowering of the discharge frequency in the neuron.     

坐骨神经压迫性损伤大鼠背根神经节SNS/PN3钠通道表达的变化

目的 通过观察背根神经节（DRG）电压门控钠通道SNS／PN3在大鼠坐骨神经压迫性损伤（CCI）的变化，以探讨慢性神经痛的发生机制。方法 对大鼠建立慢性神经痛模型，14d后，将神经痛模型大鼠18只，均分为6组，每组3只，组内同侧（CCI）与对侧自体对照（Control)，在深麻醉下快速断头，分别取L4和L5 DRG，用Trizol试剂提取DRG总RNA。以逆转录多聚酶链反应（RT－PCR）半定量分析CCI后大鼠背根神经节钠通道SNS／PN3转录物的变化，以及全细胞膜片钳技术记录CCI对急性分离大鼠背根神经节TTX－R钠电流的影响。结果 CCI术后14d，感觉神经元特异性的TTX－R钠通道转录物SNS／PN3下调，与对照组相比，下降了大约60％，TTX－R钠电流密度明显减弱，但不影响其激活与稳态失活。结论 钠通道SNS／PN3与慢性神经痛后初级感觉神经元过度兴奋有关。     

Different symptoms of neuropathic pain can be induced by different degrees of compressive force on the C7 dorsal root of rats

Background contextNeuropathic pain after nerve injuries is characterized by positive and negative sensory symptoms and signs. The extent of sensory fiber loss after nerve injuries has been demonstrated to correlate with symptoms of neuropathic pain by quantitative sensory testing and confirmed by biopsies of small nerve fibers. However, the relationship between the pathologic changes of large nerves on injuries and resulting pain symptoms remains unclear.PurposeTo investigate the relationship between the extent of dorsal root injury and resulting symptoms of neuropathic pain.Study designNerve injury and assessment of the following pain-related behaviors and neuropathologic changes.MethodsA total of 24 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250 to 300 g were randomly divided into three groups (n=8 each): sham group operated on but without nerve compression, 70 gf group, and 180 gf group; a compression force of 70 or 180 g was applied to the right C7 dorsal root, separately. Threshold thermal and mechanical pains were measured before surgery (baseline) and on the first, third, fifth, and seventh day after surgery. On the seventh day after surgery, all rats were killed, and the structural alterations of nerve fibers within the compressed areas were examined.ResultsA compression force of 70 g resulted in hyperalgesia, whereas a compression force of 180 g induced hypoalgesia in the ipsilateral forepaw in response to both mechanical and thermal stimulations within 7 days after injury. Light microscopy and electron microscopy revealed a mild to moderate sensory fiber loss after 70-gf compression and a more severe sensory fiber loss after 180-gf compression.ConclusionsTransient injuries on sensory fibers can produce either positive or negative symptoms of neuropathic pain, and the different extent of sensory fiber loss after different degrees of injuries might account for the varied resulting symptoms of neuropathic pain.     

Effect of Drugs Used for Neuropathic Pain Management on Tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ Currents in Rat Sensory Neurons

Background: Tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ channels play an important role in generation and conduction of nociceptive discharges in peripheral endings of small-diameter axons of the peripheral nervous system. Pathophysiologically, these channels may produce ectopic discharges in damaged nociceptive fibers, leading to neuropathic pain syndromes. Systemically applied Na+ channel-blocking drugs can alleviate pain, the mechanism of which is rather unresolved. The authors investigated the effects of some commonly used drugs, i.e., lidocaine, mexiletine, carbamazepine, amitriptyline, memantine, and gabapentin, on tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ channels in rat dorsal root ganglia.

Methods: Tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ currents were recorded in the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp method in enzymatically dissociated dorsal root ganglion neurons of adult rats. Half-maximal blocking concentrations were derived from concentration-inhibition curves at different holding potentials (-90, -70, and -60 mV).

Results: Lidocaine, mexiletine, and amitriptyline reversibly blocked tetrodotoxin-resistant Na+ currents in a concentration- and use-dependent manner. Block by carbamazepine and memantine was not use-dependent at 2 Hz. Gabapentin had no effect at concentrations of up to 3 mm. Depolarizing the membrane potential from -90 mV to -60 mV reduced the available Na+ current only by 23% but increased the sensitivity of the channels to the use-dependent blockers approximately fivefold. The availability curve of the current was shifted by 5.3 mV to the left in 300 [mu]m lidocaine.