Prostaglandin E2 sensitizes the cough reflex centrally via EP3 receptor-dependent activation of NaV 1.8 channels

Al-Shaimaa A Al-Kandery,Muddanna S Rao,Ahmed Z El-Hashim

doi:10.1186/s12931-021-01889-4

Al-Shaimaa A Al-Kandery, Muddanna S Rao + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.1186/s12931-021-01889-4

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Journal: Respiratory Research	Publication Date: Nov 18, 2021
Citations: 3	License type: open-access

Affiliation: Kuwait University

Abstract

BackgroundCough hypersensitivity is a major characteristic feature associated with several types of cough, including chronic cough, but its underlying mechanisms remain to be fully understood. Inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), have been implicated in both peripheral induction and sensitization of the cough reflex. In this study, using a conscious guinea pig model of cough, we investigated whether PGE2 can sensitize the cough reflex via central actions and, if so, via which mechanisms.MethodsAll drugs were administered by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) route and whole-body plethysmograph set-up was used for both induction, using aerosolized citric acid (0.2 M), and recording of cough. Immunohistochemistry was performed to confirm the expression of NaV 1.8 channels in the nucleus tractus solitarius (nTS).ResultsWe show that both PGE2 and the non-selective EP1/EP3 agonist, sulprostone, dose-dependently enhanced the citric acid-induced cough (P ≤ 0.001, P ≤ 0.01, respectively). Pretreatment with the EP1 antagonist, ONO-8130, did not affect the sulprostone-induced cough sensitization, whilst the EP3 antagonist, L-798,106, dose-dependently inhibited this effect (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, treatment with either the EP2 agonist, butaprost or the EP4 agonist, L-902,688, had no effect on cough sensitization. Additionally, pretreatment with either the TRPV1 antagonist, JNJ-17203212 or the TRPA1 antagonist, HC-030031, alone or in combination, nor with the NaV 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6 and 1.7 channel blocker, tetrodotoxin, had any effect on the cough. In contrast, pretreatment with the NaV 1.8 antagonist, A-803467, dose-dependently inhibited this effect (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, NaV 1.8 channels were shown to be expressed in the nTS.ConclusionCollectively, our findings show that PGE2 sensitizes the cough reflex centrally via EP3 receptor-dependent activation of NaV 1.8 but independently of TRPV1,TRPA1 and TTX-sensitive sodium channel activation. These results indicate that PGE2 plays an important role in central sensitization of the cough reflex and suggest that central EP3 receptors and/or NaVv 1.8 channels may represent novel antitussive molecular targets.Graphical

Highlights

Cough hypersensitivity is a major characteristic feature associated with several types of cough, includ‐ ing chronic cough, but its underlying mechanisms remain to be fully understood
Since Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) at concentration of 1 mg/ml resulted in the highest enhancement of the citric acid-induced cough without any overt unwanted effects, this dose was used in the subsequent experiments in this study involving the use of PGE2
Since sulprostone at concentration of 1 mg/ ml resulted in significant enhancement of the citric acid-induced cough, this dose was used in the subsequent experiments involving the use of sulprostone

Summary

Introduction

Cough hypersensitivity is a major characteristic feature associated with several types of cough, includ‐ ing chronic cough, but its underlying mechanisms remain to be fully understood. Inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), have been implicated in both peripheral induction and sensitization of the cough reflex. The lack of effective cough therapy in the market, to date, reflects our incomplete understanding of cough mechanisms and related pathways that underlie CHS. Notwithstanding, progress has been made recently in identifying some of the neuromediators, pathways and neuroplastic changes involved in cough, at both peripheral and central levels [10, 11].

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