Proteinases and proteinase-activated receptor 2: a possible role to promote visceral hyperalgesia in rats

BACKGROUND & AIMS: PAR-2s are highly expressed throughout the gastrointestinal tract. These receptors are cleaved by trypsin and mast cell tryptase and can be activated by peptides corresponding to the tethered ligand of the receptor (SLIGRL-NH2 for rat). The aim of this study was to determine whether colonic administration of PAR-2 agonists affects visceral sensitivity to rectal distention in conscious rats. METHODS: Abdominal contractions (a criteria of visceral pain) were recorded in rats equipped with intramuscular electrodes. Rectal distention was performed at various times after intracolonic infusion of SLIGRL-NH2 and trypsin. Inflammation parameters and permeability were followed in the colon after the intracolonic injections. Fos expression at a spinal level (L4-L6) was also studied 2 hours after intracolonic injection of SLIGRL-NH2. RESULTS: Rectal distention significantly increased abdominal contractions starting at the RD volume of 0.8 mL. Intracolonic injection of SLIGRL-NH2 (200 microg/rat) and trypsin (200 U/rat), but not vehicle, LRGILS-NH2 (control peptide), boiled trypsin, or SLIGRL-NH2 injected IP, significantly increased (P < 0.05) abdominal contractions for high volumes of distention, 10- and 24-hour postinfusion. SLIGRL-NH2-induced hyperalgesia was inhibited by a NK1 receptor antagonist (SR 140333) but not by indomethacin. Intracolonic injection of SLIGRL-NH2 elevated spinal Fos expression and caused increased intestinal permeability but did not cause detectable inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Intracolonic infusion of subinflammatory doses of PAR-2 agonists activated spinal afferent neurons and produced a delayed rectal hyperalgesia that involves changes in intestinal permeability and the activation of NK1 receptors. These results identify a possible role for proteinases and PAR-2 in the genesis of visceral hyperalgesia.     

慢性内脏高敏性大鼠结肠内P物质及其NK1受体表达的改变

目的　研究慢性应激刺激所致内脏高敏性大鼠和正常大鼠结肠内P物质 (substanup)及其NK1受体表达的改变 ,探讨内脏高敏感性产生的可能机制。方法　 40只新生SD大鼠 ,随机分为 2组 :慢性应激模型组、正常对照组 ,每组 2 0只。模型组大鼠在出生后第 8天到 2 1天 ,每天接受结直肠扩张刺激 ;分别在第 8周、12周观察大鼠的腹部回缩反射 (AWR)和玻璃小球排出情况 ,进行肠道敏感性评估 :采用RT PCR方法检测二组大鼠结肠组织内P物质及其NK1受体mRNA的表达 ,并运用免疫组化SABC法观察NK1受体的分布。结果　模型组较正常对照组大鼠腹部收缩阈值明显降低 (P <0 .0 1) ,玻璃小球排出时间缩短 (P <0 .0 1) ;P物质及其NKl受体mRNA的表达明显增加 (P <0 .0 1) ,NK1受体免疫反应阳性产物显著浓密 ,以平滑肌层和黏膜层为著。结论　SP及其NK1受体表达增加在大鼠肠道高敏感性、动力紊乱的产生机制中可能起重要作用     

Acute restraint stress activates functional NK1 receptor in the colon of female rats: involvement of steroids

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Psychological factors have been implicated in the aetiology of irritable bowel syndrome characterised by intestinal altered motility and visceral hypersensitivity. Similar disorders have been found in rats under stressful conditions. The role of tachykinins in bowel dysfunctions caused by stress is not fully documented. Therefore, we investigated the influence of stress on NK1 receptor activation at the colonic level in female rats. METHODS: The stress procedure used consisted of two hours of partial restraint. Histamine release was measured from colonic samples of control and stressed animals and the effect of SR140333, a NK1 receptor antagonist, on substance P induced histamine release was determined. Involvement of steroids has been evaluated in this response. RESULTS: NK1 receptor antagonist was found to inhibit substance P induced histamine release in samples from stressed female rats but not in samples from control animals. Previous treatment of female rats with RU 486 abolished this effect observed in stressed animals. Similarly, in samples from stressed female rats previously ovariectomised, SR140333 failed to inhibit substance P induced histamine release but previous treatment with both progesterone and oestrogen restored its effect. CONCLUSIONS: Stress induces NK1 receptor activation in the colon, and ovarian steroids are involved in this response.     

Altered visceral sensation in response to somatic pain in the rat

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Patients with fibromyalgia commonly have symptoms of abdominal pain, suggesting that altered somatic afferent activity may influence visceral sensations. It is hypothesized that a noxious somatic stimulus increases input to the projection neurons in the dorsal horn, resulting in visceral hyperalgesia. METHODS: Two injections (100 microL, pH 4.0) were given unilaterally in the gastrocnemius muscle 2 days apart in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Paw withdrawal reflex (PWR) was measured to assess somatic pain. The control group received pH 7.2 saline injections. Similar injections (pH 4.0) were given in the front leg in a different group. Electromyography (EMG) from the external oblique muscle was recorded to graded colorectal distention at different time intervals. NMDA receptor antagonist (CGS-19755, 20 nmol) or AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist (NBQX, 20 nmol) was injected intrathecally before low-pH injections. RESULTS: A bilateral decrease in PWR threshold occurred 72 hours after the second low-pH injection. There was no decrease in the threshold in rats injected with pH 7.2 saline. A significant increase in EMG to colorectal distention (> or =30 mm Hg) occurred at 72 hours and 2 weeks in the pH 4.0 group. No change in EMG was observed following 2 unilateral low-pH injections in the front leg. Both the visceral hyperalgesia and the decrease in somatic pain thresholds were prevented by prior intrathecal CGS-19755 or NBQX injections. CONCLUSIONS: Noxious somatic afferent input from the hind limb facilitates visceral hyperalgesia, which is due to viscerosomatic convergence in the lower spinal cord. This can be blocked by ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists.     

Alterations in the brain-gut axis underlying visceral chemosensitivity in Nippostrongylus brasiliensis-infected mice

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Visceral hypersensitivity, a hallmark of irritable bowel syndrome, is generally considered to be mechanosensitive in nature and mediated via spinal afferents. Both stress and inflammation are implicated in visceral hypersensitivity, but the underlying molecular mechanisms of visceral hypersensitivity are unknown. METHODS: Mice were infected with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb) larvae, exposed to environmental stress and the following separate studies performed 3-4 weeks later. Mesenteric afferent nerve activity was recorded in response to either ramp balloon distention (60 mm Hg), or to an intraluminal perfusion of hydrochloric acid (50 mmol/L), or to octreotide administration (2 micromol/L). Intraperitoneal injection of cholera toxin B-488 identified neurons projecting to the abdominal viscera. Fluorescent neurons in dorsal root and nodose ganglia were isolated using laser-capture microdissection. RNA was hybridized to Affymetrix Mouse whole genome arrays for analysis to evaluate the effects of stress and infection. RESULTS: In mice previously infected with Nb, there was no change in intestinal afferent mechanosensitivity, but there was an increase in chemosensitive responses to intraluminal hydrochloric acid when compared with control animals. Gene expression profiles in vagal but not spinal visceral sensory neurons were significantly altered in stressed Nb-infected mice. Decreased afferent responses to somatostatin receptor 2 stimulation correlated with lower expression of vagal somatostatin receptor 2 in stressed Nb-infected mice, confirming a link between molecular data and functional sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations in the intestinal brain-gut axis, in chemosensitivity but not mechanosensitivity, and through vagal rather than spinal pathways, are implicated in stress-induced postinflammatory visceral hypersensitivity.     

Effects of moxibustion on dynorphin and endomorphin in rats with chronic visceral hyperalgesia

AIM:To observe the analgesic effects of moxibustion in rats with chronic visceral hyperalgesia and its influence on the concentration of dynorphin(Dyn) and endomorphin(EM) in spinal cord.METHODS:The rat model of chronic visceral hyperalgesia was established by colorectal distention(CRD).In moxibustion(MX) group,moxibustion was applied once daily for 7 d;in sham moxibustion(SM) group,moxibustion was given to the same acupoints but with the nonsmoldered end of the moxa stick.Model control(MC) group and normal...     

Activation of P2X7 receptors in glial satellite cells reduces pain through downregulation of P2X3 receptors in nociceptive neurons

Purinergic ionotropic P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs) are closely associated with excitotoxicity and nociception. Inhibition of P2X7R activation has been considered as a potentially useful strategy to improve recovery from spinal cord injury and reduce inflammatory damage to trauma. The physiological functions of P2X7Rs, however, are poorly understood, even though such information is essential for making the P2X7R an effective therapeutic target. We show here that P2X7Rs in satellite cells of dorsal root ganglia tonically inhibit the expression of P2X3Rs in neurons. Reducing P2X7R expression using siRNA or blocking P2X7R activity by antagonists elicits P2X3R up-regulation, increases the activity of sensory neurons responding to painful stimuli, and evokes abnormal nociceptive behaviors in rats. Thus, contrary to the notion that P2X7R activation is cytotoxic, P2X7Rs in satellite cells play a crucial role in maintaining proper P2X3R expression in dorsal root ganglia. Studying the mechanism underlying the P2X7R-P2X3R control, we demonstrate that activation of P2X7Rs evokes ATP release from satellite cells. ATP in turn stimulates P2Y1 receptors in neurons. P2Y1 receptor activation appears to be necessary and sufficient for the inhibitory control of P2X3R expression. We further determine the roles of the P2X7R-P2Y1-P2X3R inhibitory control under injurious conditions. Activation of the inhibitory control effectively prevents the development of allodynia and increases the potency of systemically administered P2X7R agonists in inflamed rats. Thus, direct blocking P2X7Rs, as proposed before, may not be the best strategy for reducing pain or lessening neuronal degeneration because it also disrupts the protective function of P2X7Rs.     

Role of neurokinin 3 receptors on responses to colorectal distention in the rat: electrophysiological and behavioral studies

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Tachykinins contribute to the control of gastrointestinal motility and modulation of somatic and visceral pain. The role of neurokinin (NK) B and NK3 receptors in visceral pain and gastrointestinal disorders has not been determined. METHODS: Using electromyographic recordings of both abdominal and colonic muscle and electrophysiological recordings of pelvic nerve afferent fibers, we studied drug effects on responses to colorectal distention. RESULTS: In awake rats, intraperitoneal administration of the NK3-receptor antagonist SR 142,801 reduced, whereas the NK3-receptor agonist senktide increased, both the rectocolonic inhibitory reflex and abdominal contractions produced by colorectal distention. In contrast, intracerebroventricular administration of SR 142,801 increased the number of abdominal contractions without affecting the rectocolonic inhibitory reflex produced by colorectal distention. In a similar manner, intracerebroventricular injection of senktide diminished the number of abdominal contractions. In electrophysiological experiments, SR 142,801 decreased responses of pelvic nerve afferent fibers to colorectal distention. Responses of pelvic nerve fibers to urinary bladder distention, however, were unaffected by SR 142,801. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that peripheral NK3 receptors are involved in the mediation of both visceral nociception and gastrointestinal disorders. Also, central NK3 receptors seem to play a role in the modulation of visceral nociception.     

Neutral endopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.11) terminates colitis by degrading substance P

Neurogenic inflammation is regulated by sensory nerves and characterized by extravasation of plasma proteins and infiltration of neutrophils from post-capillary venules and arteriolar vasodilatation. Although it is well established that substance P (SP) interacts with the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) to initiate neurogenic inflammation, the mechanisms that terminate inflammation are unknown. We examined whether neutral endopeptidase (NEP), a cell-surface enzyme that degrades SP in the extracellular fluid, terminates neurogenic inflammation in the colon. In NEP knockout mice, the SP concentration in the colon was approximately 2.5-fold higher than in wild-type mice, suggesting increased bioavailability of SP. The extravasation of Evans blue-labeled plasma proteins in the colon of knockout mice under basal conditions was approximately 4-fold higher than in wild-type mice. This elevated plasma leak was attenuated by recombinant NEP or the NK1R antagonist SR140333, and is thus caused by diminished degradation of SP. To determine whether deletion of NEP predisposes mice to uncontrolled inflammation, we compared dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in wild-type and knockout mice. The severity of colitis, determined by macroscopic and histologic scoring and by myeloperoxidase activity, was markedly worse in knockout than wild-type mice after 3 and 7 days. The exacerbated inflammation in knockout mice was prevented by recombinant NEP and SR140333. Thus, NEP maintains low levels of SP in the extracellular fluid under basal conditions and terminates its proinflammatory effects. Because we have previously shown that intestinal inflammation results in down-regulation of NEP and diminished degradation of SP, our present results suggest that defects in NEP expression contribute to uncontrolled inflammation.     

A role for spinal nitric oxide in mediating visceral hyperalgesia in the rat.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Intracolonic instillation of zymosan in rats produces hyperalgesia (i.e., facilitates the visceromotor response to colorectal distention) mediated by activity at spinal N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA receptors. Nitric oxide (NO*) production often increases after NMDA receptor activation; NO* may then function as a further messenger. This study was designed to investigate the role of spinal NO* in this model of visceral hyperalgesia. METHODS: Zymosan or saline was given intracolonically, and the visceromotor response to noxious colorectal distention (80 mm Hg, 20 seconds) was measured 3 hours afterward. RESULTS: There was a significant enhancement of the visceromotor response in zymosan-, but not saline-treated, rats. This hyperalgesia was dose-dependently and reversibly attenuated by intrathecal administration of the nonselective NO* synthase (NOS) inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (100-800 nmol) as well as by the selective neuronal NOS inhibitor ARL 17477 (30-600 nmol). In support of these observations, there was a significant increase in the number of cells labeled for NADPH diaphorase or neuronal NOS in the lumbosacral spinal cord after intracolonic instillation of zymosan, but not saline. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that colonic inflammation induces the expression of neuronal NOS in the spinal cord and that increased production of spinal NO* is necessary for maintenance of zymosan-produced visceral hyperalgesia.     

阻断Nav1.8表达对大鼠内脏高敏感性影响的研究

目的通过阻断Nav1．8钠通道的表达研究其对内脏高敏感性的影响。方法以新生大鼠直肠内气囊扩张法制成动物模型，连续3d，每天2次鞘内注射Nav1．8钠通道反义寡核苷酸以阻断Nav1．8的表达，并以行为学腹部收缩反射（AWR）评分和脊髓c-Fos的表达为指标观察大鼠内脏高敏感的改变情况。结果鞘内注射Nav1．8钠通道反义寡核苷酸使大鼠Nav1．8 mRNA的表达下降。行为学检测发现造模组大鼠AWR评分下降，脊髓c-Fos样免疫反应（c-FLI）阳性细胞总数减少，主要是1区和3区的细胞数减少，而注射错配寡核苷酸组无明显改变。对照组则不论注射错配寡核苷酸或反义寡核苷酸AWR评分和脊髓c—FLI阳性细胞数均无明显改变。结论鞘内注射反义寡核苷酸阻断Nav1．8的表达，可以降低造模大鼠内脏高敏感状态。     

Effects of tegaserod on Fos, substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide expression induced by colon inflammation in lumbarsacral spinal cord

AIM: To investigate the mechanisms of tegaserod, a partial 5-HT4 agonist, in reducing visceral sensitivity by observing Fos, substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression in the lumbarsacral spinal cord induced by colonic inflammation in rats. METHODS: Twenty-four male rats with colonic inflammation induced by intraluminal instillation of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) were divided into 3 groups. Treatment group 1: intra-gastric administration of tegaserod, 2 mg/kg.d; Treatment group 2: intra-gastric administration of tegaserod, 1 mg/kg.d; Control group: intra-gastric administration of saline, 2.0 mL/d. After 7 d of intra-gastric administration, lumbarsacral spinal cord was removed and processed for Fos, SP and CGRP immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In rats of the control group, the majority of Fos labeled neurons was localized in deeper laminae of the lumbarsacral spinal cord (L(5)-S(1)). SP and CGRP were primarily expressed in the superficial laminae of the spinal cord after TNBS injection. Intra-gastric administration of tegaserod (2 mg/kg.d) resulted in a significant decrease of Fos labeled neurons (22.0+/-7.7) and SP density (12.5+/-1.4) in the dorsal horn in the lumbarsacral spinal cord compared to those of the control group (62.2+/-18.9, 35.9+/-8.9, P<0.05). However, CGRP content in dorsal horn did not significantly reduce in rats of treatment group 1 (1.2+/-1.1) compared to that of the control group (2.8+/-2.4, P>0.05). Neither Fos expression nor SP or CGRP density in the dorsal horn significantly declined in rats of treatment group 2 compared to those of the control group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Tegaserod can significantly reduce Fos labeled neurons in the lumbarsacral spinal cord induced by colonic inflammation. Tegaserod may reduce visceral sensitivity by inhibiting SP expression in the dorsal horn of spinal cord.     

Tachykinin-dependent and -independent components of peristalsis in the guinea pig isolated distal colon

BACKGROUND & AIMS: In the intestine, tachykinins regulate motility by participating in neuromuscular and neuro-neuronal transmission. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that colonic propulsion is regulated by an interplay between tachykinergic and cholinergic transmission. METHODS: Propulsion was elicited by intraluminal distention of a thin rubber balloon, which traveled from the oral to the anal end of guinea pig isolated distal colon segments. The overall contribution of endogenous tachykinins to colonic propulsion was examined by blocking NK1, NK2, and NK3 receptors simultaneously. RESULTS: NK2-receptor blockade by MEN 11420 inhibited propulsion, whereas blockade of NK(1) by SR 140333 or of NK3 receptors by SR 142801 had minor effects on motility. Blockade of muscarinic or nicotinic receptors by hyoscine or hexamethonium decelerated peristalsis up to propulsion arrest. In the presence of partial muscarinic receptor blockade, the NK1-receptor antagonist SR 140333 and the NK2-receptor antagonist MEN 11420 markedly inhibited propulsion. Propulsion was also inhibited by the NK3-receptor antagonist SR 142801 in the presence of partial nicotinic receptor blockade. The simultaneous administration of the 3 tachykinin antagonists inhibited propulsion by 50%. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the existence of an interplay between tachykinergic and cholinergic pathways during peristalsis and the importance of endogenous tachykinins acting at multiple receptor sites in the control of colonic propulsion.     

PKCγ在内脏高敏感状态下跨器官敏化中的作用

背景：内脏-内脏之间存在广泛的伤害性传人会聚和相互作用．在跨器官痛觉过敏的发生中起重要作用。目的：在内脏高敏感状态下建立跨器官敏化大鼠模型,探讨蛋白激酶C1（PKCγ）对跨器官内脏敏感性的调控作用．方法：Sprague-Dawlev大鼠随机分为4组．其中3组在鸡卵清蛋白（OVA）基础致敏联合结直肠芥子油（MO）灌注建立结直肠-膀胱跨器官敏化模型的基础上,分别鞘内注射PKC叫特异性抑制剂GF109203X、0．9％NaCl溶液（NS）或不予鞘内注射,另一组为正常对照组。各组大鼠行梯度结直肠扩张／膀胱扩张（CRD／UBD）．根据腹壁肌电活动曲线下面积（AUC）评估内脏敏感性的变化。结果：各组UBD梯度扩张刺激体积均与腹壁肌电活动AUC显著相关（P〈0．05）。UBD扩张体积为1．0、1．5、2．0m1以及CRD扩张压力为40、60、80mmHg时,OVA＋MO组AUC显著高于正常对照组（P〈0．05）;UBD扩张体积为1．5、2．0ml以及CRD扩张压力为60、80mmHg时,OVA＋MO＋GF109203X组AUC较OVA＋MO＋NS组显著降低（P〈0．05）。结论：鞘内注射PKC吖特异性抑制剂能逆转跨器官交叉内脏高敏感性,提示PKC7在跨器官敏化的产生和维持中起重要作用。     

NK1 receptor stimulation causes contraction and inositol phosphate increase in medium-size human isolated bronchi

Although contraction of human isolated bronchi is mediated mainly by tachykinin NK2 receptors, NK1 receptors, via prostanoid release, contract small-size (approximately 1 mm in diameter) bronchi. Here, we have investigated the presence and biological responses of NK1 receptors in medium-size (2-5 mm in diameter) human isolated bronchi. Specific staining was seen in bronchial sections with an antibody directed against the human NK1 receptor. The selective NK1 receptor agonist, [Sar(9), Met(O2)(11)]SP, contracted about 60% of human isolated bronchial rings. This effect was reduced by two different NK1 receptor antagonists, CP-99,994 and SR 140333. Contraction induced by [Sar(9), Met(O2)(11)]SP was independent of acetylcholine and histamine release and epithelium removal, and was not affected by nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition. [Sar(9), Met(O2)(11)]SP increased inositol phosphate (IP) levels, and SR 140333 blocked this increase, in segments of medium- and small-size (approximately 1 mm in diameter) human bronchi. COX inhibition blocked the IP increase induced by [Sar(9), Met(O2)(11)]SP in small-size, but not in medium-size, bronchi. NK1 receptors mediated bronchoconstriction in a large proportion of medium-size human bronchi. Unlike small-size bronchi this effect is independent of prostanoid release, and the results are suggestive of a direct activation of smooth muscle receptors and IP release.     

Modulatory role of tachykinin NK1 receptor in cholinergic contraction of mouse trachea.

The role of the NK1 receptor in airway contraction induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) was evaluated by comparing the response in NK1 receptor knockout mice (NK1R-/-) with that of NK1 receptor wild-type controls (WT). A frequency/response curve on tracheas from NK1R-/- mice and NK1R WT littermates was constructed. After incubation with [3H]choline, [3H]acetylcholine release upon EFS was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid scintillation counting. The effects of atropine (1 x 10(-6) M), tetrodotoxin (1 x 10(-6) M) and a specific NK1R antagonist (SR140333, 1 x 10(-8) M) were studied, as well as the effects of substance P (1 x 10(-5) M) on precontracted tracheas. Upon EFS, NK1R-/- mice had a significant lower trachea contractility than the NK1R WT animals, accompanied with less [3H]acetylcholine release. Pretreatment with atropine or tetrodotoxin abolished the EFS-induced contraction in both strains. Pretreatment with the NK1R antagonist SR140333 significantly reduced the contractility in the NK1R WT but not in the NK1R-/- mice. Substance P caused a small contraction in both NK1R WT and NK1R-/- mice. Substance P induced a relaxation in precontracted tracheas in NK1R WT but not in NK1R-/- mice. The data presented here provide direct evidence that the NK1 receptor augments cholinergic neurotransmission in mouse trachea.     

The vanilloid receptor initiates and maintains colonic hypersensitivity induced by neonatal colon irritation in rats

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Robust chemical or mechanical irritation of the colon of neonatal rats leads to chronic visceral hypersensitivity. The clinical and physiologic relevance of such noxious stimulation in the context of human irritable bowel syndrome is questionable. The aims of this study were to determine whether mild chemical irritation of the colon of neonatal rats produced persistent changes in visceral sensitivity and to evaluate the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in the initiation and maintenance of visceral hypersensitivity. METHODS: Ten-day-old rat pups received an intracolonic infusion of 0.5% acetic acid in saline. TRPV1 inhibitors were administered 30 minutes before acetic acid sensitization. Sensitivity of the colon to balloon distention (CRD) in adults was measured by grading their abdominal withdrawal reflex and electromyographic responses. In adult rats, TRPV1 antagonist was injected intraperitoneally 30 minutes before CRD. RESULTS: Neonatal acetic acid treatment resulted in higher sensitivity to CRD in adult rats compared with controls in the absence of histopathologic signs of inflammation. Treatment of colons of adult rats with acetic acid did not produce persistent sensitization. Antagonism of the TRPV1 before neonatal administration of acetic acid and after established visceral hypersensitivity attenuated sensitivity to CRD. TRPV1 expression was increased in dorsal root ganglia-containing colon afferent neurons. CONCLUSIONS: We have described a new model for persistent colonic sensory dysfunction following a transient noxious stimulus in the neonatal period and a potentially important role for TRPV1 in initiation and maintenance of persistent visceral hypersensitivity.     

电压门控钙通道在三硝基苯磺酸诱导的炎症性内脏高敏中作用机制的研究

目的 研究炎症性内脏高敏大鼠背根神经节(DRG)基因表达的变化及电压门控钙离子通道(VGCC)在炎症性内脏高敏感性中的作用.方法 雄性清洁级SD大鼠180只,体重200～300 g,三硝基苯磺酸(TNBS)模型组(n=90)缓慢注入2.0%TNBS,剂量为100 mg/kg;正常对照组(n=90)仅灌注等量0.9%氯化钠溶液.造模后第4天,大鼠的cDNA表达谱基因芯片检测大鼠1.6S2节段DRG基因表达谱变化.通过实时定量逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)和Western印迹检测进行验证.胞内钙检测及全细胞膜片钳记录分析胞内钙及电压门控钙电流变化.另取SD大鼠54只,均分为6组,分别予以TNBS造模及脊髓鞘内给予特异性钙通道阻滞剂,观察大鼠内脏敏感性的变化.腹部撤离反射(AWR)检测大鼠内脏敏感性.结果 TNBS模型组L6～s2节段DRG172个基因的表达出现显著变化,包括离子通道、膜受体及胞内第二信使等.其中,L-型钙通道(Cav 1.2)和R-型钙通道(Cav2.3)显著上调,RT-PCR及Western印迹检测结果均验证了芯片结果.胞内钙检测显示,TNBS模型组结肠特异感觉神经元的静息胞内钙含量与正常对照组相比差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);而胞内钙瞬变量较正常对照组显著增加(P＜0.05).全细胞膜片钳记录显示TNBS模型组结肠初级感觉神经元L-型和R-型钙电流较正常对照组明显增加(P＜0.05).脊髓鞘内给予尼莫地平和SNX-482后可显著降低炎症性内脏高敏大鼠的内脏敏感性(P＜0.05).结论 Cav1.2和Cav2.3表达的上调在炎症性内脏高敏中起了非常重要的作用,很可能是炎症性内脏高敏治疗的潜在靶点.

Abstract：

Objective To screen the difference of gene expression in dorsal root ganglia (DRG)of inflammatory visceral hypersensitivity rats and to explore the role of voltage gated calcium channel (VGCC) in inflammatory visceral hypersensitivity. Methods Total 180 male Sprague-Dawley rats were in this study,the weight varied from 200 gram to 300 gram. 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) model group was maken by 2. 0% TNBS slowly injection,the dosage was 100mg per kilogram. The normal control group was only injected with same volume of 0. 9% sodium chloride solution. After the model had been maken for four days,gene expression profiles of L6-S2 DRGs were tested by rat cDNA microarray chips. And the result was verified by RT-PCR and Western blot. The changes of intracellular Ca2+ and the voltage gated calcium currents were recorded by patch-clamp.The special Ca2+ channel blockers were given by intrathecal injection,and then the changes of visceral sensitivity were observed. The visceral sensitivity was measured by abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR). Results There were significant changes of 172 genes expression in L6-S2 DRGs of TNBS model rats,which included Ca2+ channel,membrane receptor and intracellular second messenger. Of those,L-type Ca2+ channel (Cav1. 2) and R-type Ca2+ channel (Cav2. 3) were significantly up-regulated. The results of gene microarray chips were further confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blot.The intracellular Ca2+ testing indicated that there was no statistical significant of resting intracellular Ca2+ in colonic special sensory neuron between TNBS group and normal control group (P＞0. 05);while the evoked transients [Ca2+] significantly increased compared with normal control group (P＜0. 05). The whole cell patch clamp recording showed that the L-type and R-type calcium current were significantly increased in colonic primary sensory neurons of TNBS group compared with normal control group (P＜0. 05). The inflammatory visceral hypersensitivity was significantly reduced by intrathecal injection of nimodipine and SNX-482 (P＜0. 05). Conclusion The up-regulation of Cav1. 2and Cav2. 3 play an important role in inflammatory visceral hyperalgesia,which may be the possible potential therapeutic targets for visceral inflammatory hyperalgesia.     

An antinociceptive role for substance P in acid-induced chronic muscle pain

Release of substance P (SP) from nociceptive nerve fibers and activation of its receptor neurokinin 1 (NK1) are important effectors in the transmission of pain signals. Nonetheless, the role of SP in muscle pain remains unknown. Here we show that a single i.m. acid injection in mice lacking SP signaling by deletion of the tachykinin precursor 1 (Tac1) gene or coadministration of NK1 receptor antagonists produces long-lasting hyperalgesia rather than the transient hyperalgesia seen in control animals. The inhibitory effect of SP was found exclusively in neurons expressing acid-sensing ion channel 3, where SP enhances M-channel-like potassium currents through the NK1 receptor in a G protein-independent but tyrosine kinase-dependent manner. Furthermore, the SP signaling could alter action potential thresholds and modulate the expression of TTX-resistant sodium currents in medium-sized muscle nociceptors. Thus, i.m. SP mediates an unconventional NK1 receptor signal pathway to inhibit acid activation in muscle nociceptors, resulting in an unexpected antinociceptive effect against chronic mechanical hyperalgesia, here induced by repeated i.m. acid injection.