Rat Trigeminal Ganglion Research Articles

Oxytocin receptor: Expression in the trigeminal nociceptive system and potential role in the treatment of headache disorders

Our studies investigated the location of oxytocin receptors in the peripheral trigeminal sensory system and determined their role in trigeminal pain. Oxytocin receptor expression and co-localization with calcitonin gene-related peptide was investigated in rat trigeminal ganglion using immunohistochemistry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the effects of facial electrocutaneous stimulation and adjuvant-induced inflammation of the temporomandibular joint on oxytocin receptor expression in the trigeminal ganglion. Finally, the effects of oxytocin on capsaicin-induced calcitonin gene-related peptide release from dural nociceptors were investigated using isolated rat dura mater. Oxytocin receptor immunoreactivity was present in rat trigeminal neurons. The vast majority of oxytocin receptor immunoreactive neurons co-expressed calcitonin gene-related peptide. Both electrocutaneous stimulation and adjuvant-induced inflammation led to a rapid upregulation of oxytocin receptor protein expression in trigeminal ganglion neurons. Oxytocin significantly and dose-dependently decreased capsaicin-induced calcitonin gene-related peptide release from dural nociceptors. Oxytocin receptor expression in calcitonin gene-related peptide containing trigeminal ganglion neurons, and the blockade of calcitonin gene-related peptide release from trigeminal dural afferents suggests that activation of these receptors may provide therapeutic benefit in patients with migraine and other primary headache disorders.

KYNA analogue SZR72 modifies CFA-induced dural inflammation- regarding expression of pERK1/2 and IL-1β in the rat trigeminal ganglion.

BackgroundNeurogenic inflammation has for decades been considered an important part of migraine pathophysiology. In the present study, we asked the question if administration of a novel kynurenic acid analogue (SZR72), precursor of an excitotoxin antagonist and anti-inflammatory substance, can modify the neurogenic inflammatory response in the trigeminal ganglion.MethodsInflammation in the trigeminal ganglion was induced by local dural application of Complete Freunds Adjuvant (CFA). Levels of phosphorylated MAP kinase pERK1/2 and IL-1β expression in V1 region of the trigeminal ganglion were investigated using immunohistochemistry and Western blot.FindingsPretreatment with one dose of SZR72 abolished the CFA-induced pERK1/2 and IL-1β activation in the trigeminal ganglion. No significant change was noted in case of repeated treatment with SZR72 as compared to a single dose.ConclusionsThis is the first study that demonstrates that one dose of KYNA analog before application of CFA can give anti-inflammatory response in a model of trigeminal activation, opening a new line for further investigations regarding possible effects of KYNA derivates.

Efficacy of (S)-Lacosamide in preclinical models of cephalic pain.

Migraine is one of the world's most common neurological disorders. Current acute migraine treatments have suboptimal efficacy, and new therapeutic options are needed. Approaches targeting calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) signaling are clinically effective, but small molecule antagonists have not been advanced because of toxicity. In this study, we explored the axonal growth/specification collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) as a novel “druggable” target for inhibiting CGRP release and for potential relevance for treatment of migraine pain. Collapsin response mediator protein 2 has been demonstrated to regulate N-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel activity and Ca2+-dependent CGRP release in sensory neurons. The coexpression of CRMP2 with N-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel and CGRP in trigeminal ganglia (TGs) sensory neurons suggested the possibility of a novel approach to regulate CGRP release in the trigeminal system. Screening protocols surprisingly revealed that (S)-lacosamide ((S)-LCM), an inactive analog of the clinically approved small molecule antiepileptic drug (R)-lacosamide (Vimpat), inhibited CRMP2 phosphorylation by cyclin-dependent kinase 5 in rat TG slices and decreased depolarization-evoked Ca2+ influx in TG cells in culture. (S)-LCM significantly blocked capsaicin-evoked CGRP release from dural nerve terminals in the rat in ex vivo cranial cup preparation. Additionally, cephalic and extracephalic cutaneous allodynia induced in rats by activation of dural nociceptors with a cocktail of inflammatory mediators, was inhibited by oral administration of (S)-LCM. The confirmation of CRMP2 as an upstream mediator of CGRP release, together with the brain penetrance of this molecule suggests (S)-LCM as a potential therapy for acute migraine.

Androgen receptor transcriptionally regulates μ-opioid receptor expression in rat trigeminal ganglia

The involvement of testosterone in pain, inflammation, and analgesia has been reported, but the role of androgen receptor (AR), a steroid receptor for testosterone, is not well understood. We have previously shown that peripheral inflammation upregulates μ-opioid receptor (MOR) in rat trigeminal ganglia (TG) in a testosterone-dependent manner. In this study, we hypothesized that testosterone regulates MOR expression via transcriptional activities of AR in TG. We first examined whether AR is co-expressed with MOR in TG neurons. Our immunohistochemical experiment revealed that AR staining is detected in neurons of all sizes in TG and that a subset of AR is expressed in MOR as well as in TRPV1-positive neurons. We identified the promoter region of the rat MOR gene contains putative AR binding sites. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we demonstrated that AR directly binds to these sites in TG extracts. We confirmed with luciferase reporter assay that AR activated the MOR promoter in response to androgens in a human neuroblastoma cell line (5H-5YSY). These data demonstrated that AR functions as a transcriptional regulator of the MOR gene activity. Finally, we showed that flutamide, a specific AR antagonist, prevents complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced upregulation of MOR mRNA in TG, and that flutamide dose-dependently blocks the efficacy of DAMGO, a specific MOR agonist, on CFA-induced mechanical hypersensitivity. Our results expand the knowledge regarding the role of androgens and their receptor in pain and analgesia and have important clinical implications, particularly for inflammatory pain patients with low or compromised plasma testosterone levels.

Trigeminal purinergic P2X4 receptor involved in experimental occlusal interference-induced hyperalgesia in rat masseter muscle

To explore the expression of purinergic p2X4 receptor (P2X4R) in trigeminal ganglion of rats after occlusal interference. Investigation of peripheral receptor mechanism of occlusal interference-induced masticatory muscle pain will aid the development of drug intervention against this condition. Experimental occlusal interference was established by application of 0.4 mm metal crown to the upper right first molar of male Sprague-Dawley rats. Real-time PCR assay was used to investigate P2X4R mRNA level in trigeminal ganglion in rats with occlusal interference for 3, 7, 10 and 14 days and in control rats without occlusal interference (n=5 in each). Retrograde labelling combining immunofluorescence was performed to evaluate the percentage of P2X4R-positive cells in masseter afferent neurons (n=5 in each group). Graded concentrations of P2XR antagonist TNP-ATP (0.1, 10, 125, 250, 500 μmol/L) or saline (n=5 in each group) was administrated in right masseter and the mechanical sensitivity of bilateral masseters was measured before occlusal interference application, before the injection, and 30 min as well as 60 min after the injection. Compared with control rats (P2X4R mRNA: right side: 1.00±0.26, left side: 0.94± 0.21; percentage of P2X4R-positive masseter afferents: right side: [64.3±6.3]%, left side: [67.7±5.8]%), the level of P2X4R mRNA in bilateral trigeminal ganglia (right side: 5.98±3.56; left side: 5.06±2.88) of rats with occlusal interference for 7 days up-regulated (P<0.01) and the percentage of P2X4R-positive masseter afferent neurons(right side: [81.7±1.5]%; left side: [82.9±2.3]%) increased (P<0.05). Local administration of 10, 125, 250, 500 μmol/L TNP-ATP increased the mechanical withdrawal threshold in masseter 30 min after injection, compared with those before injection (P<0.05). Increased expression of trigeminal P2X4R involves in the development of occlusal interference-induced masseter hyperalgesia.

Methylprednisolone blocks interleukin 1 beta induced calcitonin gene related peptide release in trigeminal ganglia cells

BackgroundMethylprednisolone (MPD) is a rapid acting highly effective cluster headache preventive and also suppresses the recurrence of migraine attacks. Previously, we could demonstrate that elevated CGRP plasma levels in a cluster headache bout are normalized after a course of high dose corticosteroids. Here we assess whether MPD suppresses interleukin-1β (IL-1β)- and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-induced CGRP release in a cell culture model of trigeminal ganglia cells, which could account for the preventive effect in migraine and cluster headache. Metoprolol(MTP), a migraine preventive with a slow onset of action, was used for comparison.MethodsPrimary cultures of rat trigeminal ganglia were stimulated for 24 h with 10 ng/ml IL-1β or for 4 h with 10 μM PGE2 following the exposure to 10 or 100 μM MPD or 100 nM or 10 µM MTP for 45 min or 24 h. CGRP was determined by using a commercial enzyme immunoassay.ResultsMPD but not MTP blocked IL-1β-induced CGRP release from cultured trigeminal cells. PGE2-stimulated CGRP release from trigeminal ganglia cell culture was not affected by pre-stimulation whether with MPD or MTP.ConclusionMPD but not MTP suppresses cytokine (IL-1β)-induced CGRP release from trigeminal ganglia cells. We propose that blockade of cytokine mediated trigeminal activation may represent a potential mechanism of action that mediates the preventive effect of MTP on cluster headache and recurrent migraine attacks.

5-HT7 Receptors Are Not Involved in Neuropeptide Release in Primary Cultured Rat Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons.

Migraine is a common but complex neurological disorder. Its precise mechanisms are not fully understood. Increasing indirect evidence indicates that 5-HT7 receptors may be involved; however, their role remains unknown. Our previous in vivo study showed that selective blockade of 5-HT7 receptors caused decreased serum levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the external jugular vein following electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion (TG) in an animal model of migraine. In the present study, we used an in vitro model of cultured TG cells to further investigate whether 5-HT7 receptors are directly responsible for the release of CGRP and substance P from TG neurons. We stimulated rat primary cultured TG neurons with capsaicin or potassium chloride (KCl) to mimic neurogenic inflammation, resulting in release of CGRP and substance P. 5-HT7 receptors were abundantly expressed in TG neurons. Greater than 93% of 5-HT7 receptor-positive neurons co-expressed CGRP and 56% co-expressed substance P. Both the capsaicin- and KCl-induced release of CGRP and substance P were unaffected by pretreatment of cultured TG cells with the selective 5-HT7 receptor agonist AS19 and antagonist SB269970. This study demonstrates for the first time that 5-HT7 receptors are abundantly co-expressed with CGRP and substance P in rat primary TG neurons and suggests that they are not responsible for the release of CGRP and substance P from cultured TG neurons evoked by capsaicin or KCl.

SCN2B in the Rat Trigeminal Ganglion and Trigeminal Sensory Nuclei.

The beta-2 subunit of the mammalian brain voltage-gated sodium channel (SCN2B) was examined in the rat trigeminal ganglion (TG) and trigeminal sensory nuclei. In the TG, 42.6% of sensory neurons were immunoreactive (IR) for SCN2B. These neurons had various cell body sizes. In facial skins and oral mucosae, corpuscular nerve endings contained SCN2B-immunoreactivity. SCN2B-IR nerve fibers formed nerve plexuses beneath taste buds in the tongue and incisive papilla. However, SCN2B-IR free nerve endings were rare in cutaneous and mucosal epithelia. Tooth pulps, muscle spindles and major salivary glands were also innervated by SCN2B-IR nerve fibers. A double immunofluorescence method revealed that about 40% of SCN2B-IR neurons exhibited calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-immunoreactivity. However, distributions of SCN2B- and CGRP-IR nerve fibers were mostly different in facial, oral and cranial structures. By retrograde tracing method, 60.4 and 85.3% of TG neurons innervating the facial skin and tooth pulp, respectively, showed SCN2B-immunoreactivity. CGRP-immunoreactivity was co-localized by about 40% of SCN2B-IR cutaneous and tooth pulp TG neurons. In trigeminal sensory nuclei of the brainstem, SCN2B-IR neuronal cell bodies were common in deep laminae of the subnucleus caudalis, and the subnuclei interpolaris and oralis. In the mesencephalic trigeminal tract nucleus, primary sensory neurons also exhibited SCN2B-immunoreactivity. In other regions of trigeminal sensory nuclei, SCN2B-IR cells were very infrequent. SCN2B-IR neuropil was detected in deep laminae of the subnucleus caudalis as well as in the subnuclei interpolaris, oralis and principalis. These findings suggest that SCN2B is expressed by various types of sensory neurons in the TG. There appears to be SCN2B-containing pathway in the TG and trigeminal sensory nuclei.

Establishment of a novel therapeutic vector targeting the trigeminal ganglion in rats.

BackgroundIn the pathogenesis of herpes simplex keratitis, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection begins in corneal epithelium cells and then progresses through the sensory nerve endings and finally travels up forward to the trigeminal ganglion (TG), where it remains as latent virus. The available anti-HSV therapies do not completely suppress the recurrence of active HSV-1 infection. The aim of this study was to establish a novel replication-defective (rd) HSV-1 (rdHSV) vector (rdHSV-interferon gamma [IFNγ]) that could effectively target the TG.MethodsRecombinant HSV-1 virus was inserted into a shuttle plasmid carrying IFNγ to establish the rdHSV-IFNγ vector. Safety was evaluated in vitro by 50% cellular cytotoxicity in transfected SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and in vivo by Kaplan–Meier survival estimate and infection rate. Wistar rats were immunized with rdHSV-IFNγ to evaluate the TG targeting efficiency. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays were used to evaluate IFNγ mRNA and protein expression and rdHSV-IFNγ localization.ResultsThe rdHSV-IFNγ vector was successfully constructed and showed high in vitro safety and overall survival and a corneal infection rate similar to that of control rats immunized with saline (control group; P>0.05). Real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry assays confirmed IFNγ expression and effective TG targeting on days 14 and 21, which increased with postimmunization time. Moreover, IFNγ was expressed sufficiently in the TG tissues.ConclusionThe rdHSV-IFNγ can act as an effective gene transporting vector that carries the therapeutic genes to the TG and triggers its expression.

Transcriptome analysis of trigeminal ganglia following masseter muscle inflammation in rats.

BackgroundChronic pain in masticatory muscles is a major medical problem. Although mechanisms underlying persistent pain in masticatory muscles are not fully understood, sensitization of nociceptive primary afferents following muscle inflammation or injury contributes to muscle hyperalgesia. It is well known that craniofacial muscle injury or inflammation induces regulation of multiple genes in trigeminal ganglia, which is associated with muscle hyperalgesia. However, overall transcriptional profiles within trigeminal ganglia following masseter inflammation have not yet been determined. In the present study, we performed RNA sequencing assay in rat trigeminal ganglia to identify transcriptome profiles of genes relevant to hyperalgesia following inflammation of the rat masseter muscle.ResultsMasseter inflammation differentially regulated >3500 genes in trigeminal ganglia. Predominant biological pathways were predicted to be related with activation of resident non-neuronal cells within trigeminal ganglia or recruitment of immune cells. To focus our analysis on the genes more relevant to nociceptors, we selected genes implicated in pain mechanisms, genes enriched in small- to medium-sized sensory neurons, and genes enriched in TRPV1-lineage nociceptors. Among the 2320 candidate genes, 622 genes showed differential expression following masseter inflammation. When the analysis was limited to these candidate genes, pathways related with G protein-coupled signaling and synaptic plasticity were predicted to be enriched. Inspection of individual gene expression changes confirmed the transcriptional changes of multiple nociceptor genes associated with masseter hyperalgesia (e.g., Trpv1, Trpa1, P2rx3, Tac1, and Bdnf) and also suggested a number of novel probable contributors (e.g., Piezo2, Tmem100, and Hdac9).ConclusionThese findings should further advance our understanding of peripheral mechanisms involved in persistent craniofacial muscle pain conditions and provide a rational basis for identifying novel genes or sets of genes that can be potentially targeted for treating such conditions.

Neurotoxicity evaluation of three root canal sealers on cultured rat trigeminal ganglion neurons.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the possible neurotoxic effects of 3 root canal sealers (RCSs) (AH Plus, GuttaFlow, iRoot SP) on cultured rat trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons.Material and MethodsPrimary cultures of TG neurons were obtained from 1 to 2-day old rats. Freshly mixed RCSs were incubated in sterile phosphate buffered saline and cells were incubated with supernatants of the RCSs for different time intervals (1-, 3-, 6- and 24-h; 1 or 1/10 diluted) and viability/cytotoxicity was tested by counting the number of live cells. Pair of dishes with cells from the same culture incubated with only culture medium was considered as negative controls. Cell images were captured and acquired at x200 magnification using a microscope equipped with a camera using special image program. The viable cells were manually counted assigned from the images for each dose and incubation duration. Data was analysed by using 1-way analysis of variance with Tukey post hoc tests.ResultsThere was no significant change in cell viability after short duration of incubation (1- and 3-h) with the supernatant of any of RCSs, except for undiluted-AH Plus at 3-h. When AH Plus was compared with other RCSs, for diluted supernatants, there was only significant difference between iRoot SP and AH Plus at 24-h (P<0.05). Whereas undiluted-AH Plus was significantly more cytotoxic for 3-, 6- and 24-h periods as compared to respective incubation periods of undiluted other groups (P<0.05). GuttaFlow groups had similar neurotoxic effect on cells for all test periods.ConclusionsAll tested RCSs exhibited a variable degree of neurotoxicity on these primary sensory neurons of orofacial tissues, depending on their chemical compositions. GuttaFlow and iRoot SP evoked a less toxic response to TG cells than AH Plus. Key words:Neurotoxicity, trigeminal ganglia, cell culture, root canal sealer, AH Plus, GuttaFlow, iRoot SP.

Hyperosmolar Tears Induce Functional and Structural Alterations of Corneal Nerves: Electrophysiological and Anatomical Evidence Toward Neurotoxicity.

In an effort to elucidate possible neural mechanisms underlying diminished tearing in dry eye disease, this study sought to determine if hyperosmolar tears, a ubiquitous sign of dry eye disease, produce functional changes in corneal nerve responses to drying of the cornea and if these changes correlate with alterations in corneal nerve morphology. In vivo extracellular electrophysiological recordings were performed in rat trigeminal ganglion neurons that innervated the cornea before, and up to 3 hours after, the ocular application of continuous hyperosmolar tears or artificial tears. In corollary experiments, immunohistochemical staining was performed to compare corneal nerve morphology in control and in eyes treated with hyperosmolar solutions. Our previous studies identified a population of corneal afferents, dry-sensitive neurons that are strongly excited by corneal dessication ("dry response"), a response thought to trigger the lacrimation reflex. In the present study, we found that the dry responses of corneal dry-sensitive neurons were depressed or even completely abolished by hyperosmolar tears in a time- (30 minutes to 3 hours) and dose (450- to 1000-mOsm solutions)-dependent manner. Furthermore, eyes treated with hyperosmolar tears for 3 hours contained large numbers of morphologically abnormal (granular, fragmented, or prominently beaded) subbasal nerves that appeared to be undergoing degeneration. These results demonstrate that tear hyperosmolarity, considered to be a "core" mechanism of dry eye disease, significantly decreases physiological sensitivity and morphologic integrity of the corneal nerves important in tear production. These alterations might contribute to the diminished tearing seen clinically in dry eye patients.

Detection of EMMPRIN in the Trigeminal Ganglion in Rats

Detection of EMMPRIN in the Trigeminal Ganglion in Rats

Dynamic Regulation of Delta-Opioid Receptor in Rat Trigeminal Ganglion Neurons by Lipopolysaccharide-induced Acute Pulpitis

IntroductionDelta-opioid receptor (DOR) and its endogenous ligands distribute in trigeminal system and play a very important role in modulating peripheral inflammatory pain. DOR activation can trigger p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK1/2) and Akt signaling pathways, which participate in anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. In this study, our purpose was to determine the dynamic changes of DOR in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons during the process of acute dental pulp inflammation and elucidate its possible mechanism. MethodsForty rats were used to generate lipopolysaccharide-induced acute pulpitis animal models at 6, 12, and 24 hours and sham-operated groups. Acute pulpitis was confirmed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and TG neuron activation was determined by anti-c-Fos immunohistochemistry. DOR protein and gene expression in TG was investigated by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and real-time polymerase chain reaction, and DOR expression in trigeminal nerves and dental pulp was also determined by immunohistochemistry. To further investigate the mechanism of DOR modulating acute inflammation, the change of pErk1/2 and pAkt in TG was examined by immunohistochemistry. ResultsLipopolysaccharide could successfully induce acute pulpitis and activated TG neurons. Acute pulpitis could dynamically increase DOR protein and gene expression at 6, 12, and 24 hours in TG, and DOR dimerization was significantly increased at 12 and 24 hours. Acute pulpitis also induced the dynamic change of DOR protein in trigeminal nerve and dental pulp. Furthermore, ERK1/2 and Akt signaling pathways were inhibited in TG after acute pulpitis. ConclusionsIncreased DOR expression and dimerization may play important roles in peripheral acute inflammatory pain.

The expression of Toll-like receptor 4, 7 and co-receptors in neurochemical sub-populations of rat trigeminal ganglion sensory neurons

The recent discovery that mammalian nociceptors express Toll-like receptors (TLRs) has raised the possibility that these cells directly detect and respond to pathogens with implications for either direct nociceptor activation or sensitization. A range of neuronal TLRs have been identified, however a detailed description regarding the distribution of expression of these receptors within sub-populations of sensory neurons is lacking. There is also some debate as to the composition of the TLR4 receptor complex on sensory neurons. Here we use a range of techniques to quantify the expression of TLR4, TLR7 and some associated molecules within neurochemically-identified sub-populations of trigeminal (TG) and dorsal root (DRG) ganglion sensory neurons. We also detail the pattern of expression and co-expression of two isoforms of lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase (LPCAT), a phospholipid remodeling enzyme previously shown to be involved in the lipopolysaccharide-dependent TLR4 response in monocytes, within sensory ganglia. Immunohistochemistry shows that both TLR4 and TLR7 preferentially co-localize with transient receptor potential vallinoid 1 (TRPV1) and purinergic receptor P2X ligand-gated ion channel 3 (P2X3), markers of nociceptor populations, within both TG and DRG. A gene expression profile shows that TG sensory neurons express a range of TLR-associated molecules. LPCAT1 is expressed by a proportion of both nociceptors and non-nociceptive neurons. LPCAT2 immunostaining is absent from neuronal profiles within both TG and DRG and is confined to non-neuronal cell types under naïve conditions. Together, our results show that nociceptors express the molecular machinery required to directly respond to pathogenic challenge independently from the innate immune system.

Dural administration of inflammatory soup or Complete Freund's Adjuvant induces activation and inflammatory response in the rat trigeminal ganglion.

BackgroundMigraine is a painful disorder with a huge impact on individual and public health. We hypothesize that migraine pain originates from a central mechanism that results secondarily in hypersensitivity in peripheral afferents associated with the cerebral and cranial blood vessels. It has previously been shown that application of inflammatory or algesic substances onto the dura mater or chemical stimulation of the dural receptive fields causes hypersensitivity to mechanical and thermal stimulation together with direct activation of the TG. We asked whether local inflammation of dura mater induces inflammatory activation in the trigeminal ganglion.MethodsWe performed topical administration of inflammatory soup (IS) or Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) onto an exposed area of the rat dura mater in vivo for 20 min. The window was closed and the rats were sacrificed after 4 h and up to 7 days. Myography was performed on middle meningeal arteries. The trigeminal ganglia were removed and processed for immunohistochemistry or Western blot.ResultsBoth CFA and IS induced enhanced expression of pERK1/2, IL-1β and CGRP in the trigeminal ganglia. The pERK1/2 immunoreactivity was mainly seen in the satellite glial cells, while IL-1β reactivity was observed in the neuronal cytoplasm, close to the cell membrane, seemingly as sign of neuro-glial interaction. The CGRP expression in the neurons and nerve fibres was enhanced after the application of either inflammatory agent. Myography resulted in a strong vasoconstrictor response to IS, but not to CFA.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the application of IS or CFA onto the dura mater causes long-term activation of the TG and demonstrate the importance of the neuro-glial interaction in the activation of the trigeminovascular system.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s10194-015-0564-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Stimulatory effect of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide 6-38, M65 and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide 6-28 on trigeminal sensory neurons

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) acts on G protein-coupled receptors: the specific PAC1 and VPAC1/VPAC2 receptors. PACAP6-38 was described as a potent PAC1/VPAC2 antagonist in several models, but recent studies reported its agonistic behaviors proposing novel receptorial mechanisms. Since PACAP in migraine is an important research tool, we investigated the effect of PACAP and its peptide fragments on trigeminal primary sensory neurons.Effect of the peptides was studied with ratiometric Ca-imaging technique using the fluorescent indicator fura-2 AM on primary cultures of rat and mouse trigeminal ganglia (TRGs) neurons. Specificity testing was performed on PAC1, VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptor-expressing cell lines with both fluorescent and radioactive Ca-uptake methods.Slowly increasing intracellular free calcium concentration [Ca2+]i was detected after PACAP1-38, PACAP1-27, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and the selective PAC1 receptor agonist maxadilan administration on TRG neurons, but interestingly, PACAP6-38, VIP6-28 and the PAC1 receptor antagonist M65 also caused similar activation. The VPAC2 receptor agonist BAY 55-9837 induced similar activation, while the VPAC1 receptor agonist Ala11,22,28VIP had no significant effect on [Ca2+]i. It was proven that the Ca2+-influx originated from intracellular stores using radioactive calcium-45 uptake experiment and Ca-free solution. On the specific receptor-expressing cell lines the antagonists inhibited the stimulating actions of the respective agonists, but had no effects by themselves.PACAP6-38, M65 and VIP6-28, which were described as antagonists in numerous studies in several model systems, act as agonists on TRG primary sensory neurons. Currently unknown receptors or splice variants linked to distinct signal transduction pathways might explain these differences.

Modulation of inflammatory mediators in the trigeminal ganglion by botulinum neurotoxin type A: an organ culture study.

BackgroundOnabotulinumtoxin type A (BoNT-A) has been found to reduce pain in chronic migraine. The aim of the present study was to ask if BoNT-A can interact directly on sensory mechanisms in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) using an organ culture method.MethodsTo induce inflammation, rat TGs were incubated for 24 hrs with either the mitogen MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126, BoNT-A or NaCl. After this the TGs were prepared for immunohistochemistry. Sections of the TG were then incubated with primary antibodies against CGRP (neuronal transmitter), iNOS (inflammatory marker), IL-1β (Interleukin 1β), SNAP-25 (synaptic vesicle docking protein) or SV2-A (Botulinum toxin receptor element).ResultsWe report that CGRP, iNOS, IL-1β, SNAP-25 and SV2-A were observed in fresh TG with a differential distribution. Interestingly, NaCl organ culture of the TG resulted in enhanced expression of CGRP and SNAP-25 in neurons and iNOS in SGCs. Co-incubation with U0126 or BoNT-A retained the increased expression of SNAP-25, while it decreased the IL-1β immunoreactivity in neurons. The iNOS expression in SGCs returned to levels observed in fresh specimens. Moreover, we observed no alteration SV2-A expression in SGCs. Thus, the overall picture is that both U0126 and BoNT-A have the ability to modify the expression of certain molecules in the TG.ConclusionWe hypothesize that chronic migraine might be associated with some degree of inflammation in the TG that could involve both neurons and SGCs. It is clinically well recognized that treatment with corticosteroids will reduce the symptoms of chronic migraine; however this remedy is associated with long-term side effects. Understanding the mechanisms involved in the expressional alterations may suggest novel ways to modify the changes and indicate novel therapeutics. The results of the present work illustrate one way by which BoNT-A may modify these expressional alterations.

Functional expression of bradykinin B1 and B2 receptors in neonatal rat trigeminal ganglion neurons.

Bradykinin (BK) and its receptors (B1 and B2 receptors) play important roles in inflammatory nociception. However, the patterns of expression and physiological/pathological functions of B1 and B2 receptors in trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons remain to be fully elucidated. We investigated the functional expression of BK receptors in rat TG neurons. We observed intense immunoreactivity of B2 receptors in TG neurons, while B1 receptors showed weak immunoreactivity. Expression of the B2 receptor colocalized with immunoreactivities against the pan-neuronal marker, neurofilament H, substance P, isolectin B4, and tropomyosin receptor kinase A antibodies. Both in the presence and absence of extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]o), BK application increased the concentration of intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). The amplitudes of BK-induced [Ca2+]i increase in the absence of [Ca2+]o were significantly smaller than those in the presence of Ca2+. In the absence of [Ca2+]o, BK-induced [Ca2+]i increases were sensitive to B2 receptor antagonists, but not to a B1 receptor antagonist. However, B1 receptor agonist, Lys-[Des-Arg9]BK, transiently increased [Ca2+]i in primary cultured TG neurons, and these increases were sensitive to a B1 receptor antagonist in the presence of [Ca2+]o. These results indicated that B2 receptors were constitutively expressed and their activation induced the mobilization of [Ca2+]i from intracellular stores with partial Ca2+ influx by BK. Although constitutive B1 receptor expression could not be clearly observed immunohistochemically in the TG cryosection, cultured TG neurons functionally expressed B1 receptors, suggesting that both B1 and B2 receptors involve pathological and physiological nociceptive functions.

Expression and function of purinergic P2Y12 receptors in rat trigeminal ganglion neurons

Purinergic receptors play key signaling roles in neuropathic pain in the orofacial region, which is innervated by trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons. The neuropathology of purinergic P2Y12 receptors is well characterized in glia; however, their physiological role in TG neurons remains to be fully elucidated. The present study investigated the expression and function of P2Y12 receptors in rat TG neurons. P2Y12 receptor immunoreactivity was intense in the soma, dendrites, and axons, and colocalized with a pan-neuronal marker, neurofilament H, isolectin B4, and substance P. In the presence of extracellular Ca2+, 2-methylthio-ADP (an agonist of P2Y1, 12, 13 receptors) transiently increased intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i), an effect that was abolished by P2Y12 receptor antagonists. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, ryanodine receptor/channel inhibitors diminished the 2-methylthio-ADP-induced increases in [Ca2+]i. A sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) inhibitor gradually increased [Ca2+]i, and after a plateau, application of 2-MeS-ADP induced a rapid and transient, but additive increase in [Ca2+]i. An adenylate cyclase inhibitor transiently increased [Ca2+]i, while a phosphodiesterase inhibitor prevented the 2-methylthio-ADP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i. Our study shows that P2Y12 receptors are expressed in TG neurons, and act via a cAMP-dependent pathway to release intracellular Ca2+ from ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ stores.