Abstract
Pain remains a major concern in patients suffering from metastatic cancer to the bone and more knowledge of the condition, as well as novel treatment avenues, are called for. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a highly conserved peptide that appears to play a central role in nociceptive signaling in inflammatory and neuropathic pain. However, little is known about the peptide in cancer-induced bone pain. Here, we evaluate the role of spinal NPY in the MRMT-1 rat model of cancer-induced bone pain. Our studies revealed an up-regulation of NPY-immunoreactivity in the dorsal horn of cancer-bearing rats 17 days after inoculation, which could be a compensatory antinociceptive response. Consistent with this interpretation, intrathecal administration of NPY to rats with cancer-induced bone pain caused a reduction in nociceptive behaviors that lasted up to 150 min. This effect was diminished by both Y1 (BIBO3304) and Y2 (BIIE0246) receptor antagonists, indicating that both receptors participate in mediating the antinociceptive effect of NPY. Y1 and Y2 receptor binding in the spinal cord was unchanged in the cancer state as compared to sham-operated rats, consistent with the notion that increased NPY results in a net antinociceptive effect in the MRMT-1 model. In conclusion, the data indicate that NPY is involved in the spinal nociceptive signaling of cancer-induced bone pain and could be a new therapeutic target for patients with this condition.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.