The key regulators and regeneration-associated genes involved in axonal regeneration of neurons after injury have not been clarified.In high-throughput sequencing,various factors influence the final sequencing results...The key regulators and regeneration-associated genes involved in axonal regeneration of neurons after injury have not been clarified.In high-throughput sequencing,various factors influence the final sequencing results,including the number and size of cells,the depth of sequencing,and the method of cell separation.There is still a lack of research on the detailed molecular expression profile during the regeneration of dorsal root ganglion neuron axon.In this study,we performed lase r-capture microdissection coupled with RNA sequencing on dorsal root ganglion neurons at 0,3,6,and 12 hours and 1,3,and 7 days after sciatic nerve crush in rats.We identified three stages after dorsal root ganglion injury:early(3-12 hours),pre-regeneration(1 day),and regeneration(3-7 days).Gene expression patterns and related function enrichment res ults showed that one module of genes was highly related to axonal regeneration.We verified the up-regulation of activating transcription factor 3(Atf3),Kruppel like factor 6(Klf6),AT-rich inte raction domain 5A(Arid5α),CAMP responsive element modulator(Crem),and FOS like 1,AP-1 transcription factor Subunit(Fosl1) in dorsal root ganglion neurons after injury.Suppressing these transcription factors(Crem,Arid5o,Fosl1 and Klf6) reduced axonal regrowth in vitro.As the hub transcription factor,Atf3 showed higher expression and activity at the preregeneration and regeneration stages.G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1(Gper1),inte rleukin 12a(Il12α),estrogen receptor 1(ESR1),and interleukin 6(IL6) may be upstream factors that trigger the activation of Atf3 during the repair of axon injury in the early stage.Our study presents the detailed molecular expression profile during axonal regeneration of dorsal root ganglion neurons after peripheral nerve injury.These findings may provide reference for the clinical screening of molecular targets for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury.展开更多
Nerve conduits have been a viable alternative to the ‘gold standard' autograft for treating small peripheral nerve gap injuries. However, they often produce inadequate functional recovery outcomes and are ineffec...Nerve conduits have been a viable alternative to the ‘gold standard' autograft for treating small peripheral nerve gap injuries. However, they often produce inadequate functional recovery outcomes and are ineffective in large gap injuries. Ridge/groove surface micropatterning has been shown to promote neural cell orientation and guide growth. However, optimization of the ratio of ridge/groove parameters to promote orientation and extension for dorsal root ganglion(DRG) cells on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA) films has not been previously conducted. Photolithography and micro-molding were used to define various combinations of ridge/groove dimensions on PLGA films. The DRG cells obtained from chicken embryos were cultured on micropatterned PLGA films for cell orientation and migration evaluation. Biodegradation of the films occurred during the test period, however, this did not cause deformation or distortion of the micropatterns. Results from the DRG cell orientation test suggest that when the ridge/groove ratio equals 1(ridge/groove width parameters are equal, i.e., 10 μm/10 μm(even)), the degree of alignment depends on the size of the ridges and grooves, when the ratio is smaller than 1(groove controlled) the alignment increases as the ridge size decreases, and when the ratio is larger than 1(ridge controlled), the alignment is reduced as the width of the grooves decreases. The migration rate and neurite extension of DRG neurons were greatest on 10 μm/10 μm and 30 μm/30 μm micropatterned PLGA films. Based on the data, the 10 μm/10 μm and 30 μm/30 μm micropatterned PLGA films are the optimized ridge/groove surface patterns for the construction of nerve repair devices.展开更多
In vertebrates, most somatosensory pathways begin with the activation of dorsal root ganglion(DRG) neurons. The development of an appropriate DRG culture method is a prerequisite for establishing in vitro peripheral n...In vertebrates, most somatosensory pathways begin with the activation of dorsal root ganglion(DRG) neurons. The development of an appropriate DRG culture method is a prerequisite for establishing in vitro peripheral nerve disease models and for screening therapeutic drugs. In this study, we compared the changes in morphology, molecular biology, and transcriptomics of chicken embryo DRG cultured on tissue culture plates(T-DRG) versus three-dimensional collagen hydrogels(C-DRG). Our results showed that after 7 days of culture, the transcriptomics of T-DRG and C-DRG were quite different. The upregulated genes in C-DRG were mainly related to neurogenesis, axon guidance, and synaptic plasticity, whereas the downregulated genes in C-DRG were mainly related to cell proliferation and cell division. In addition, the genes related to cycles/pathways such as the synaptic vesicle cycle, cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling pathway, and calcium signaling pathway were activated, while those related to cell-cycle pathways were downregulated. Furthermore, neurogenesis-and myelination-related genes were highly expressed in C-DRG, while epithelial–mesenchymal transition-, apoptosis-, and cell division-related genes were suppressed. Morphological results indicated that the numbers of branches, junctions, and end-point voxels per C-DRG were significantly greater than those per T-DRG. Furthermore, cells were scattered in T-DRG and more concentrated in C-DRG, with a higher ratio of 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EdU)-positive cells in T-DRG compared with C-DRG. C-DRG also had higher S100 calcium-binding protein B(S100 B) and lower α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) expression than T-DRG, and contained fewer terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)-positive cells after 48 hours of serum starvation. After cryopreservation, C-DRG maintained more intact morphological characteristics, and had higher viability and less TUNEL-positive cells than T-DRG. Furthermore, newly formed nerve bundles were able to grow along the existing Schwann cells in C-DRG. These results suggest that C-DRG may be a promising in vitro culture model, with better nerve growth and anti-apoptotic ability, quiescent Schwann cells, and higher viability. Results from this study provide a reference for the construction, storage, and transportation of tissue-engineered nerves. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, China(approval No. 2020-IRB16), on March 15, 2020.展开更多
Recovery from injury to the peripheral nervous system is different from that of the central nervous system in that it can lead to gene reprogramming that can induce the expression of a series of regeneration-associate...Recovery from injury to the peripheral nervous system is different from that of the central nervous system in that it can lead to gene reprogramming that can induce the expression of a series of regeneration-associated genes.This eventually leads to axonal regeneration of injured neurons.Although some regeneration-related genes have been identified,the regulatory network underlying axon regeneration remains largely unknown.To explore the regulator of axon regeneration,we performed RNA sequencing of lumbar L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglion(DRG)neurons at different time points(0,3,6,12 hours,1,3 and 7 days)after rat sciatic nerve crush.The isolation of neurons was carried out by laser capture microscopy combined with NeuN immunofluorescence staining.We found 1228 differentially expressed genes in the injured sciatic nerve tissue.The hub genes within these differentially expressed genes include Atf3,Jun,Myc,Ngf,Fgf2,Ezh2,Gfap and Il6.We verified that the expression of the enhancer of zeste homologue 2 gene(Ezh2)was up-regulated in DRG neurons after injury,and this up-regulation differed between large-and small-sized dorsal root ganglion neurons.To investigate whether the up-regulation of Ezh2 impacts axonal regeneration,we silenced Ezh2 with siRNA in cultured DRG neurons and found that the growth of the newborn axons was repressed.In our investigation into the regulatory network of Ezh2 by interpretive phenomenal analysis,we found some regulators of Ezh2(including Erk,Il6 and Hif1a)and targets(including Atf3,Cdkn1a and Smad1).Our findings suggest that Ezh2,as a nerve regeneration-related gene,participates in the repair of the injured DRG neurons,and knocking down the Ezh2 in vitro inhibits the axonal growth of DRG neurons.All the experimental procedures approved by the Administration Committee of Experimental Animals of Jiangsu Province of China(approval No.S20191201-201)on March 21,2019.展开更多
Objective The aim of this study was to examine the effects of photodynamic therapy(PDT)on the expression of Nav1.7 in spinal dorsal root ganglion(DRG)neurons.Methods The primary DRG neurons from newborn SD rats were c...Objective The aim of this study was to examine the effects of photodynamic therapy(PDT)on the expression of Nav1.7 in spinal dorsal root ganglion(DRG)neurons.Methods The primary DRG neurons from newborn SD rats were cultured.The cells were identified by neuron-specific enolase immunofluorescence staining.DRG neurons were divided into four groups:control group,photosensitizer group,laser group,and PDT group.The cell viability was detected by a cell counting kit-8(CCK8)assay.qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nav1.7 in DRG neurons.Results The purity of the cultured primary DRG neurons was greater than 90%.Compared with the control group,no significant change was found in the cell viability of the photosensitizer group,while the viability in the laser group and the PDT group was significantly reduced.The mRNA and protein expression levels of Nav1.7 were significantly greater in the laser group and the PDT group than in the control group.At the same time,the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nav1.7 were greater in the laser group than in the PDT group.Conclusion Both laser and PDT could upregulate the expression of Nav1.7 in DRG neurons,and the promoting effect might be related to the pain induced by clinical treatment.This study provides a research basis for the use of laser and PDT to treat pain.A better understanding of the relationship between Nav1.7 and PDT can help clinicians better manage PDT-related pain.展开更多
Ciliary neurotrophic factor has neuroprotective effects mediated through signal transducer and Janus kinase(JAK) 2/activator of transcription 3(STAT3) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3 K)/Akt signaling pathways.Wh...Ciliary neurotrophic factor has neuroprotective effects mediated through signal transducer and Janus kinase(JAK) 2/activator of transcription 3(STAT3) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3 K)/Akt signaling pathways.Whether ciliary neurotrophic factor is neuroprotective for glutamate-induced excitotoxicity of dorsal root ganglion neurons is poorly understood.In the present study,the in vitro neuroprotective effects of ciliary neurotrophic factor against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity were determined in a primary culture of dorsal root ganglion neurons from Wistar rat embryos at embryonic day 15.Whether the JAK2/STAT3 and PI3 K/Akt signaling pathways were related to the protective effects of ciliary neurotrophic factor was also determined.Glutamate exposure inhibited neurite outgrowth,cell viability,and growth-associated protein 43 expression and promoted apoptotic neuronal cell death,all of which were reversed by the administration of exogenous ciliary neurotrophic factor.Additionally,preincubation with either JAK2 inhibitor AG490 or PI3 K inhibitor LY294002 blocked the neuroprotective effect of ciliary neurotrophic factor.These data indicate that the two pathways JAK2/STAT3 and PI3 K/Akt play major roles in mediating the in vitro neuroprotective effects of ciliary neurotrophic factor on dorsal root ganglion neurons with glutamate-induced neurotoxicity.展开更多
The mechanism underlying the modulatory effect of substance P(SP) on GABA-activated response in rat dorsal root ganglion(DRG) neurons was investigated. In freshly dissociated rat DRG neurons, whole-cell patch-clamp te...The mechanism underlying the modulatory effect of substance P(SP) on GABA-activated response in rat dorsal root ganglion(DRG) neurons was investigated. In freshly dissociated rat DRG neurons, whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record GABA-activated current and sharp electrode intracellular recording technique was used to record GABA-induced membrane depolarization. Application of GABA(1–1000 μmol/L) induced an inward current in a concentration-dependent manner in 114 out of 127 DRG neurons(89.8 %) examined with whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. Bath application of GABA(1–1000 μmol/L) evoked a depolarizing response in 236 out of 257(91.8%) DRG neurons examined with intracellular recordings. Application of SP(0.001–1 μmol/L) suppressed the GABA-activated inward current and membrane depolarization. The inhibitory effects were concentration-dependent and could be blocked by the selective neurokinin 1(NK1) receptors antagonist spantide but not by L659187 and SR142801(1 μmol/L, n=7), selective antagonists of NK2 and NK3. The inhibitory effect of SP was significantly reduced by the calcium chelator BAPTA-AM, phospholipase C(PLC) inhibitor U73122, and PKC inhibitor chelerythrine, respectively. The PKA inhibitor H-89 did not affect the SP effect. Remarkably, the inhibitory effect of SP on GABA-activated current was nearly completely removed by a selective PKCε inhibitor epilon-V1-2 but not by safingol and LY333531, selective inhibitors of PKCα and PKCβ. Our results suggest that NK1 receptor mediates SP-induced inhibition of GABA-activated current and membrane depolarization by activating intracellular PLC-Ca2+-PKCε cascade. SP might regulate the excitability of peripheral nociceptors through inhibition of the "pre-synaptic inhibition" evoked by GABA, which may explain its role in pain and neurogenic inflammation.展开更多
mRNAs of alpha-adrenoceptor(α-AR) subtypes are found in neurons in dorsal root ganglion(DRG) and change after peripheral nerve injury. In this study, the distribution of α-AR subtype proteins was studied in L5 DRG o...mRNAs of alpha-adrenoceptor(α-AR) subtypes are found in neurons in dorsal root ganglion(DRG) and change after peripheral nerve injury. In this study, the distribution of α-AR subtype proteins was studied in L5 DRG of normal rats and rats with chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve(CCI). Using immunofluorescence technique, it was found that α1A-, α1B-, and α2A-AR proteins were expressed in large, medium, and small size neurons in normal DRG, and significantly increased in all size neurons 14 days after CCI. α1D- and α2C-AR was also expressed in all size neurons in normal DRG. However, α1D-AR was significantly increased and α2C-AR was decreased in small size neurons 14 days post CCI. α2B-AR neurons were not detectable in normal and CCI DRG. Co-expression of α1A- and α2A-AR in the same neuron was observed in normal DRG and increased post CCI. Collectively, these results indicated that there is distinct distribution of α-AR subtypes in DRG neurons, and the distribution and levels of expression of α-AR subtypes change differently after CCI. The up-regulation of α-AR subtypes in DRG neurons may play an important role in the process of generating and transmitting neuropathic pain.展开更多
Estrogen affects the generation and transmission of neuropathic pain,but the specific regulatory mechanism is still unclear.Activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate acid receptor 1(NMDAR1) plays an important role in the...Estrogen affects the generation and transmission of neuropathic pain,but the specific regulatory mechanism is still unclear.Activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate acid receptor 1(NMDAR1) plays an important role in the production and maintenance of hyperalgesia and allodynia.The present study was conducted to determine whether a relationship exists between estrogen and NMDAR1 in peripheral nerve pain.A chronic sciatic nerve constriction injury model of chronic neuropathic pain was established in rats.These rats were then subcutaneously injected with 17β-estradiol,the NMDAR1 antagonist D(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid(AP-5),or both once daily for 15 days.Compared with injured drug na?ve rats,rats with chronic sciatic nerve injury that were administered estradiol showed a lower paw withdrawal mechanical threshold and a shorter paw withdrawal thermal latency,indicating increased sensitivity to mechanical and thermal pain.Estrogen administration was also associated with increased expression of NMDAR1 immunoreactivity(as assessed by immunohistochemistry) and protein(as determined by western blot assay) in spinal dorsal root ganglia.This 17β-estradiol-induced increase in NMDAR1 expression was blocked by co-administration with AP-5,whereas AP-5 alone did not affect NMDAR1 expression.These results suggest that 17β-estradiol administration significantly reduced mechanical and thermal pain thresholds in rats with chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve,and that the mechanism for this increased sensitivity may be related to the upregulation of NMDAR1 expression in dorsal root ganglia.展开更多
Sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) and potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) are associated with the transmission of peripheral pain.We investigated whether the increase of NKCC1 and KCC2 is associa...Sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) and potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) are associated with the transmission of peripheral pain.We investigated whether the increase of NKCC1 and KCC2 is associated with peripheral pain transmission in dorsal root ganglion neurons.To this aim,rats with persistent hyperalgesia were randomly divided into four groups.Rats in the control group received no treatment,and the rat sciatic nerve was only exposed in the sham group.Rats in the chronic constriction injury group were established into chronic constriction injury models by ligating sciatic nerve and rats were given bumetanide,an inhibitor of NKCC1,based on chronic constriction injury modeling in the chronic constriction injury + bumetanide group.In the experiment measuring thermal withdrawal latency,bumetanide (15 mg/kg) was intravenously administered.In the patch clamp experiment,bumetanide (10 μg/μL) and acutely isolated dorsal root ganglion neurons (on day 14) were incubated for 1 hour,or bumetanide (5 μg/μL) was intrathecally injected.The Hargreaves test was conducted to detect changes in thermal hyperalgesia in rats.We found that the thermal withdrawal latency of rats was significantly decreased on days 7,14,and 21 after model establishment.After intravenous injection of bumetanide,the reduction in thermal retraction latency caused by model establishment was significantly inhibited.Immunohistochemistry and western blot assay results revealed that the immune response and protein expression of NKCC1 in dorsal root ganglion neurons of the chronic constriction injury group increased significantly on days 7,14,and 21 after model establishment.No immune response or protein expression of KCC2 was observed in dorsal root ganglion neurons before and after model establishment.The Cl^– (chloride ion) fluorescent probe technique was used to evaluate the change of Cl^– concentration in dorsal root ganglion neurons of chronic constriction injury model rats.We found that the relative optical density of N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-6-methoxyquinolinium bromide (a Cl^– fluorescent probe whose fluorescence Cenintensity decreases as Cl– concentration increases) in the dorsal root ganglion neurons of the chronic constriction injury group was significantly decreased on days 7 and 14 after model establishment.The whole-cell patch clamp technique revealed that the resting potential and action potential frequency of dorsal root ganglion neurons increased,and the threshold and rheobase of action potentials decreased in the chronic constriction injury group on day 14 after model establishment.After bumetanide administration,the above indicators were significantly suppressed.These results confirm that CCI can induce abnormal overexpression of NKCC1,thereby increasing the Cl^– concentration in dorsal root ganglion neurons;this then enhances the excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons and ultimately promotes hyperalgesia and allodynia.In addition,bumetanide can achieve analgesic effects.All experiments were approved by the Institutional Ethics Review Board at the First Affiliated Hospital,College of Medicine,Shihezi University,China on February 22,2017 (approval No.A2017-169-01).展开更多
Studies have shown that retreatment of the distal stoma after nerve grafting can stimulate nerve regeneration. The present study attempted to verify the effects of reanastomosis of the distal stoma, after nerve grafti...Studies have shown that retreatment of the distal stoma after nerve grafting can stimulate nerve regeneration. The present study attempted to verify the effects of reanastomosis of the distal stoma, after nerve grafting, on nerve regeneration by assessing brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in 2-month-old rats. Results showed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in L 2-4 dorsal root ganglia began to increase 3 days after autologous nerve grafting post sciatic nerve injury, peaked at 14 days, decreased at 28 days, and reached similar levels to the sham-surgery group at 56 days. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in L 2-4 dorsal root ganglia began to increase 3 days after reanastomosis of the distal stoma, 59 days after autologous nerve grafting post sciatic nerve injury, significantly increased at 63 days, peaked at 70 days, and gradually decreased thereafter, but remained higher compared with the sham-surgery group up to 112 days. The results of this study indicate that reanastomosis of the distal stoma after orthotopic nerve grafting stimulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in L 2-4 dorsal root ganglia.展开更多
Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1(TRPA1) is a key player in pain and neurogenic inflammation, and is localized in nociceptive primary sensory dorsal root ganglion(DRG) neurons. TRPA1 plays a major role in the tra...Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1(TRPA1) is a key player in pain and neurogenic inflammation, and is localized in nociceptive primary sensory dorsal root ganglion(DRG) neurons. TRPA1 plays a major role in the transmission of nociceptive sensory signals. The generation of neurogenic inflammation appears to involve TRPA1-evoked release of calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP). However, it remains unknown whether TRPA1 or CGRP expression is affected by TRPA1 activation. Thus, in this study, we examined TRPA1 and CGRP expression in DRG neurons in vitro after treatment with the TRPA1 activator formaldehyde or the TRPA1 blocker menthol. In addition, we examined the role of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2(ERK1/2) in this process. DRG neurons in culture were exposed to formaldehyde, menthol, the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 + formaldehyde, or PD98059 + menthol. After treatment, real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot assay and double immunofluorescence labeling were performed to evaluate TRPA1 and CGRP expression in DRG neurons. Formaldehyde elevated mRNA and protein levels of TRPA1 and CGRP, as well as the proportion of TRPA1-and CGRP-positive neurons. In contrast, menthol reduced TRPA1 and CGRP expression. Furthermore, the effects of formaldehyde, but not menthol, on CGRP expression were blocked by pretreatment with PD98059. PD98059 pretreatment did not affect TRPA1 expression in the presence of formaldehyde or menthol.展开更多
Objective:To explore effect of srGAP3 promotes neurite outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion neurons.Methods:In this study,expression of Slit1 was observed predominantly in the glia.while expression of Robo2 and srCAP3 wa...Objective:To explore effect of srGAP3 promotes neurite outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion neurons.Methods:In this study,expression of Slit1 was observed predominantly in the glia.while expression of Robo2 and srCAP3 was detected in sensory neurons of postnatal rat cultured dorsal root ganglion(DRG).Furthermore,upregulation of srGAP3 following sciatic nerve transection was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.Results:It was observed that inhibition of nenrite outgrowth in cultured adult DRG neurons following treatment with anti-srGAP3 or anti-Robo2 was more effectively(1.5-fold higher) than that following treatment with an anti-BDNF positive control antibody.It demonstrated that srGAP3 interacted with Robo2 and Slit1 protein to decrease Rac1-CTP activity in cultured adult rat DRG neurons and the opposite effect on Rac1-GTP activity was detected by co-immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting analyses following treatment with anti-Robo2 or anti-srGAP3.These data demonstrated a role for srGAP3 in nenrite outgrowth ol DRG sensory neurons.Conclusions:Our observations suggest that srGAP3 promotes neurile outgrowth and filopodial growth cones by interacting with Robo2 to inactivate Rac1 in mammalian DRG neurons.展开更多
Neuropathic pain has been hypothesized to be the result of aberrant expression and function of sodium channels at the site of injury. To investigate the effects of NaV1.8 antisense oligonucleotide on the expression of...Neuropathic pain has been hypothesized to be the result of aberrant expression and function of sodium channels at the site of injury. To investigate the effects of NaV1.8 antisense oligonucleotide on the expression of sodium channel mRNA in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in chronic neuropathic pain. 24 Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-260 g were anesthetized with the intraperitoneal injection of 300 mg·kg -1 choral hydrate. The CCI model was made by loose ligation of sciatic nerve trunk by 4-0 chromic gut. The mechanical and thermal pain threshold were measured before operation and 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 days after operation. A PE-10 catheter was implanted in subarachnoid space at lumbar region. On the 7th postoperative day the animals were randomly divided into 4 groups. The drugs were injected intrathecally twice a day for 5 consecutive days in group 2-4. The animals were decapitated 14 days after the surgery. The L4-L6 DRG of the operated side was removed and crushed, and total RNA was extracted with Trizol reagent. The contralateral side was used as control. The change of NaV1.8 sodium channel transcripts was determined by RT-PCR. Pain threshold was significantly lowered after CCI as compared with that in control group and was elevated 3 days after antisense oligonucleotide injection. Sensory neuron specific TTX-R sodium channel NaV1.8 transcript was down-regulated after antisense oligonucleotide injection at the dosage of 45 μg as compared with that in CCI group (P<0.01), and it was even greater at the dosage of 90 μg. The intrathecally injected NaV1.8 antisense oligonucleotide can reduce the mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia partially by downregulating the SNS transcript expression.展开更多
Short-term, low-frequency electrical stimulation of neural tissues significantly enhances axonal regeneration of peripheral nerves following injury. However, little is known about the mechanisms of electrical stimulat...Short-term, low-frequency electrical stimulation of neural tissues significantly enhances axonal regeneration of peripheral nerves following injury. However, little is known about the mechanisms of electrical stimulation to induce neurite outgrowth. In the present study, short-term, low-frequency electrical stimulation, using identical stimulation parameters of in vivo experiments, was administered to in vitro dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Enhanced neurite outgrowth, as well as synthesis and release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), were examined in electrical stimulation-treated DRG neuronal cultures. Because the effects of electrical stimulation on neuronal intracellular signaling molecules are less reported, classic calcium intracellular signals are directly or indirectly involved in electrical stimulation effects on neurons. Cultured DRG neurons were pretreated with the calcium channel blocker nifedipine, followed by electrical stimulation. Results suggested that electrical stimulation not only promoted in vitro neurite outgrowth, but also enhanced BDNF expression. However, nifedipine reduced electrical stimulation-enhanced neurite outgrowth and BDNF biosynthesis. These results suggest that the promoting effects of electrical stimulation on DRG neurite outgrowth could be associated with altered calcium influx, which is involved induction of neuronal BDNF expression and secretion.展开更多
This study examined the isolation and differentiation of dorsal root ganglion progenitor cells for therapeutic use in neurodegenerative diseases. Rat embryonic dorsal root ganglia progenitors were isolated and purifie...This study examined the isolation and differentiation of dorsal root ganglion progenitor cells for therapeutic use in neurodegenerative diseases. Rat embryonic dorsal root ganglia progenitors were isolated and purified using the differential adhesion method combined with cytosine arabinoside treatment. After culture in serum-free medium supplemented with B27, basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor, these cells remained viable and survived for more than 18 months in vitro. Most cells differentiated to neurons that were immunoreactive for gamma-aminobutyric acid and choline acetyltransferase as detected by immunohistochemical staining. In addition, nerve growth factor and neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor expression were also observed in dorsal root ganglion progenitors and differentiated cells. K252a, an inhibitor that blocks nerve growth factor-induced signaling, inhibited cell survival, suggesting the possible existence of a nerve growth factor autocrine loop in these proliferating cells.展开更多
The use of iodine-125(125I) in cancer treatment has been shown to relieve patients' pain. Considering dorsal root ganglia are critical for neural transmission between the peripheral and central nervous systems, we...The use of iodine-125(125I) in cancer treatment has been shown to relieve patients' pain. Considering dorsal root ganglia are critical for neural transmission between the peripheral and central nervous systems, we assumed that 125 I could be implanted into rat dorsal root ganglia to provide relief for neuropathic pain. 125 I seeds with different radioactivity(0, 14.8, 29.6 MBq) were implanted separately through L4–5 and L5–6 intervertebral foramen into the vicinity of the L5 dorsal root ganglion. von Frey hair results demonstrated the mechanical pain threshold was elevated after implanting 125 I seeds from the high radioactivity group. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that nuclear membrane shrinkage, nucleolar margination, widespread mitochondrial swelling, partial vacuolization, lysosome increase, and partial endoplasmic reticulum dilation were visible at 1,440 hours in the low radioactivity group and at 336 hours in the high radioactivity group. Abundant nuclear membrane shrinkage, partial fuzzy nuclear membrane and endoplasmic reticulum necrosis were observed at 1,440 hours in the high radioactivity group. No significant difference in combined behavioral scores was detected between preoperation and postoperation in the low and high radioactivity groups. These results suggested that the mechanical pain threshold was elevated after implanting 125 I seeds without influencing motor functions of the hind limb, although cell injury was present.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Ketamine is a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists and plays an important role in the treatment of pain. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the preemptive analgesic effects of different doses...BACKGROUND: Ketamine is a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists and plays an important role in the treatment of pain. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the preemptive analgesic effects of different doses of ketamine on growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) expression in dorsal root ganglion in a rat model of chronic sciatic nerve constricted injury, and to study the differences between high-dose and low-dose ketamine DESIGN: Randomized controlled animal study. SETTING: Medical College of Shantou University. MATERIALS: Thirty-five adult male Sprague Dawley rats were provided by the Experimental Animal Center of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ketamine hydrochloride injection was provided by Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Jiangsu. METHODS: This study was performed at the Immunological Laboratory, Medical College of Shantou University from September to December 2006. Model of chronic sciatic nerve constricted injury: after anesthesia, the right sciatic nerve was exposed and ligated 1-cm distal to the ischiadic tuberosity with a No. 3-0 cat gut suture. Grouping and intervention: 35 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group (n = 5), chronic constriction injury (CCI) group (n = 10), low-dose ketamine group (n = 10), and high-dose ketamine group (n = 10). Rats in the normal control group did not undergo any surgery or drug intervention. Rats in the CCI group received intraperitoneal injection of saline (1 mL), and their sciatic nerves were ligated after 10 minutes. Rats in the low-dose ketamine group underwent intraperitoneal injection of ketamine (25 mg/kg) 10 minutes prior to ligation of sciatic nerve; while, rats in the high-dose ketamine group were given intraperitoneal injection of ketamine (50 mg/kg) 10 minutes prior to ligation of sciatic nerve. On the third and the seventh days after surgery, dorsal root ganglion were resected from the sciatic nerve and cut into sections. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: GAP-43 expression in dorsal root ganglion was detected by immunohistochemistry and image analysis system, as well as semi-quantitative analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-five Sprague Dawley rats were included in the final analysis. Qualitative analysis: GAP-43 expression in the CCI group was higher than in the normal control group. Quantitative analysis: after three post-operative days, GAP-43 expression in the CCI group was significantly higher than in the normal control group (t = 22.919, 7.319, P < 0.05). GAP-43 expression in the low-dose and high-dose ketamine group was significantly lower than in the CCI group (t = 11.166, 26.474, P < 0.05). After seven postoperative days, GAP-43 expression in the low-dose and high-dose ketamine groups was significantly lower than in the CCI group (t = 2.382, 5.016, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Preoperative administration of ketamine inhibited the increased GAP-43 expression in dorsal root ganglion during neuropathic pain.展开更多
Objective The relationship between firing pattern and sensitivity of neurons was studied in chronically compressed dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and the Hindmarsh-Rose (HR) neuronal model. Methods Spontaneous act...Objective The relationship between firing pattern and sensitivity of neurons was studied in chronically compressed dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and the Hindmarsh-Rose (HR) neuronal model. Methods Spontaneous activities from single fibers of chronically compressed DRG neurons in rats were recorded, and divided into periodic and non-periodic firing patterns. The sensitivity of the two kinds of firing pattern neuron to sympathetic stimulation (SS) was compared. Result It was found that 27.3% of periodic firing neurons and 93.2% of non-periodic firing neurons responded to SS respectively (periodic vs non-periodic, P<0.01). The responses to SS with different stimulation time were greater non-periodic firing neurons than periodic firing neurons (P<0.01). The non-periodic firing neurons obviously responded to SS. After the firing pattern of these neurons transformed to periodic firing pattern, their responses to SS disappeared or decreased obviously. The HR neuronal model exhibited a significantly greater response to perturbation in non-periodic (chaotic) firing pattern than in periodic firing pattern. Conclusion The non-periodic firing neurons with deterministic chaos are more sensitive to external stimuli than the periodic firing neurons.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos. 31730031 and 32130060the National Major Project of Research and Development,No. 2017YFA0104700the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province,No. BK20202013 (all to XSG)。
文摘The key regulators and regeneration-associated genes involved in axonal regeneration of neurons after injury have not been clarified.In high-throughput sequencing,various factors influence the final sequencing results,including the number and size of cells,the depth of sequencing,and the method of cell separation.There is still a lack of research on the detailed molecular expression profile during the regeneration of dorsal root ganglion neuron axon.In this study,we performed lase r-capture microdissection coupled with RNA sequencing on dorsal root ganglion neurons at 0,3,6,and 12 hours and 1,3,and 7 days after sciatic nerve crush in rats.We identified three stages after dorsal root ganglion injury:early(3-12 hours),pre-regeneration(1 day),and regeneration(3-7 days).Gene expression patterns and related function enrichment res ults showed that one module of genes was highly related to axonal regeneration.We verified the up-regulation of activating transcription factor 3(Atf3),Kruppel like factor 6(Klf6),AT-rich inte raction domain 5A(Arid5α),CAMP responsive element modulator(Crem),and FOS like 1,AP-1 transcription factor Subunit(Fosl1) in dorsal root ganglion neurons after injury.Suppressing these transcription factors(Crem,Arid5o,Fosl1 and Klf6) reduced axonal regrowth in vitro.As the hub transcription factor,Atf3 showed higher expression and activity at the preregeneration and regeneration stages.G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1(Gper1),inte rleukin 12a(Il12α),estrogen receptor 1(ESR1),and interleukin 6(IL6) may be upstream factors that trigger the activation of Atf3 during the repair of axon injury in the early stage.Our study presents the detailed molecular expression profile during axonal regeneration of dorsal root ganglion neurons after peripheral nerve injury.These findings may provide reference for the clinical screening of molecular targets for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury.
文摘Nerve conduits have been a viable alternative to the ‘gold standard' autograft for treating small peripheral nerve gap injuries. However, they often produce inadequate functional recovery outcomes and are ineffective in large gap injuries. Ridge/groove surface micropatterning has been shown to promote neural cell orientation and guide growth. However, optimization of the ratio of ridge/groove parameters to promote orientation and extension for dorsal root ganglion(DRG) cells on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA) films has not been previously conducted. Photolithography and micro-molding were used to define various combinations of ridge/groove dimensions on PLGA films. The DRG cells obtained from chicken embryos were cultured on micropatterned PLGA films for cell orientation and migration evaluation. Biodegradation of the films occurred during the test period, however, this did not cause deformation or distortion of the micropatterns. Results from the DRG cell orientation test suggest that when the ridge/groove ratio equals 1(ridge/groove width parameters are equal, i.e., 10 μm/10 μm(even)), the degree of alignment depends on the size of the ridges and grooves, when the ratio is smaller than 1(groove controlled) the alignment increases as the ridge size decreases, and when the ratio is larger than 1(ridge controlled), the alignment is reduced as the width of the grooves decreases. The migration rate and neurite extension of DRG neurons were greatest on 10 μm/10 μm and 30 μm/30 μm micropatterned PLGA films. Based on the data, the 10 μm/10 μm and 30 μm/30 μm micropatterned PLGA films are the optimized ridge/groove surface patterns for the construction of nerve repair devices.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82000871(to ZKC),81871495(to JSC)the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province,China,No.2020JJ5001(to ZKC)+1 种基金the Science Research Grant of Aier Eye Hospital Group,China,No.AF1913D2(to ZKC)Central South University Postdoctoral Funds,China。
文摘In vertebrates, most somatosensory pathways begin with the activation of dorsal root ganglion(DRG) neurons. The development of an appropriate DRG culture method is a prerequisite for establishing in vitro peripheral nerve disease models and for screening therapeutic drugs. In this study, we compared the changes in morphology, molecular biology, and transcriptomics of chicken embryo DRG cultured on tissue culture plates(T-DRG) versus three-dimensional collagen hydrogels(C-DRG). Our results showed that after 7 days of culture, the transcriptomics of T-DRG and C-DRG were quite different. The upregulated genes in C-DRG were mainly related to neurogenesis, axon guidance, and synaptic plasticity, whereas the downregulated genes in C-DRG were mainly related to cell proliferation and cell division. In addition, the genes related to cycles/pathways such as the synaptic vesicle cycle, cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling pathway, and calcium signaling pathway were activated, while those related to cell-cycle pathways were downregulated. Furthermore, neurogenesis-and myelination-related genes were highly expressed in C-DRG, while epithelial–mesenchymal transition-, apoptosis-, and cell division-related genes were suppressed. Morphological results indicated that the numbers of branches, junctions, and end-point voxels per C-DRG were significantly greater than those per T-DRG. Furthermore, cells were scattered in T-DRG and more concentrated in C-DRG, with a higher ratio of 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EdU)-positive cells in T-DRG compared with C-DRG. C-DRG also had higher S100 calcium-binding protein B(S100 B) and lower α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) expression than T-DRG, and contained fewer terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)-positive cells after 48 hours of serum starvation. After cryopreservation, C-DRG maintained more intact morphological characteristics, and had higher viability and less TUNEL-positive cells than T-DRG. Furthermore, newly formed nerve bundles were able to grow along the existing Schwann cells in C-DRG. These results suggest that C-DRG may be a promising in vitro culture model, with better nerve growth and anti-apoptotic ability, quiescent Schwann cells, and higher viability. Results from this study provide a reference for the construction, storage, and transportation of tissue-engineered nerves. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Aier School of Ophthalmology, Central South University, China(approval No. 2020-IRB16), on March 15, 2020.
基金This study was supported by the National Key Basic Research Program of China,No.2017YFA0104701(to XSG)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.31730031(to XSG),81870975(to SLZ)+1 种基金Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions(PAPD)(to XSG)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province,No.BK20202013(to XSG).
文摘Recovery from injury to the peripheral nervous system is different from that of the central nervous system in that it can lead to gene reprogramming that can induce the expression of a series of regeneration-associated genes.This eventually leads to axonal regeneration of injured neurons.Although some regeneration-related genes have been identified,the regulatory network underlying axon regeneration remains largely unknown.To explore the regulator of axon regeneration,we performed RNA sequencing of lumbar L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglion(DRG)neurons at different time points(0,3,6,12 hours,1,3 and 7 days)after rat sciatic nerve crush.The isolation of neurons was carried out by laser capture microscopy combined with NeuN immunofluorescence staining.We found 1228 differentially expressed genes in the injured sciatic nerve tissue.The hub genes within these differentially expressed genes include Atf3,Jun,Myc,Ngf,Fgf2,Ezh2,Gfap and Il6.We verified that the expression of the enhancer of zeste homologue 2 gene(Ezh2)was up-regulated in DRG neurons after injury,and this up-regulation differed between large-and small-sized dorsal root ganglion neurons.To investigate whether the up-regulation of Ezh2 impacts axonal regeneration,we silenced Ezh2 with siRNA in cultured DRG neurons and found that the growth of the newborn axons was repressed.In our investigation into the regulatory network of Ezh2 by interpretive phenomenal analysis,we found some regulators of Ezh2(including Erk,Il6 and Hif1a)and targets(including Atf3,Cdkn1a and Smad1).Our findings suggest that Ezh2,as a nerve regeneration-related gene,participates in the repair of the injured DRG neurons,and knocking down the Ezh2 in vitro inhibits the axonal growth of DRG neurons.All the experimental procedures approved by the Administration Committee of Experimental Animals of Jiangsu Province of China(approval No.S20191201-201)on March 21,2019.
基金supported by Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality(No.7202200)Central Military Commission Health Care Project(No.20BJZ13)Air Force Equipment Scientific Research Project(No.KJ20201A050226).
文摘Objective The aim of this study was to examine the effects of photodynamic therapy(PDT)on the expression of Nav1.7 in spinal dorsal root ganglion(DRG)neurons.Methods The primary DRG neurons from newborn SD rats were cultured.The cells were identified by neuron-specific enolase immunofluorescence staining.DRG neurons were divided into four groups:control group,photosensitizer group,laser group,and PDT group.The cell viability was detected by a cell counting kit-8(CCK8)assay.qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nav1.7 in DRG neurons.Results The purity of the cultured primary DRG neurons was greater than 90%.Compared with the control group,no significant change was found in the cell viability of the photosensitizer group,while the viability in the laser group and the PDT group was significantly reduced.The mRNA and protein expression levels of Nav1.7 were significantly greater in the laser group and the PDT group than in the control group.At the same time,the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nav1.7 were greater in the laser group than in the PDT group.Conclusion Both laser and PDT could upregulate the expression of Nav1.7 in DRG neurons,and the promoting effect might be related to the pain induced by clinical treatment.This study provides a research basis for the use of laser and PDT to treat pain.A better understanding of the relationship between Nav1.7 and PDT can help clinicians better manage PDT-related pain.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30470559,30330230,30240059)the National Basic Research Development Program(973)of China(No.2007CB512501)Beijing Natural Science Foundation(No.7052039)
文摘Dorsal root ganglion(DRG)neurons have peripheral terminals in skin,muscle,and other peripheral tissues,andcentral
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province of China,No.ZR2014HQ065a grant from the Medical Science and Technology Development Project of Shandong Province of China,No.2015WS0445
文摘Ciliary neurotrophic factor has neuroprotective effects mediated through signal transducer and Janus kinase(JAK) 2/activator of transcription 3(STAT3) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3 K)/Akt signaling pathways.Whether ciliary neurotrophic factor is neuroprotective for glutamate-induced excitotoxicity of dorsal root ganglion neurons is poorly understood.In the present study,the in vitro neuroprotective effects of ciliary neurotrophic factor against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity were determined in a primary culture of dorsal root ganglion neurons from Wistar rat embryos at embryonic day 15.Whether the JAK2/STAT3 and PI3 K/Akt signaling pathways were related to the protective effects of ciliary neurotrophic factor was also determined.Glutamate exposure inhibited neurite outgrowth,cell viability,and growth-associated protein 43 expression and promoted apoptotic neuronal cell death,all of which were reversed by the administration of exogenous ciliary neurotrophic factor.Additionally,preincubation with either JAK2 inhibitor AG490 or PI3 K inhibitor LY294002 blocked the neuroprotective effect of ciliary neurotrophic factor.These data indicate that the two pathways JAK2/STAT3 and PI3 K/Akt play major roles in mediating the in vitro neuroprotective effects of ciliary neurotrophic factor on dorsal root ganglion neurons with glutamate-induced neurotoxicity.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30160026)the Youth Science and Technology Innovation Special Foundation of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps,China(No.2010JC33)
文摘The mechanism underlying the modulatory effect of substance P(SP) on GABA-activated response in rat dorsal root ganglion(DRG) neurons was investigated. In freshly dissociated rat DRG neurons, whole-cell patch-clamp technique was used to record GABA-activated current and sharp electrode intracellular recording technique was used to record GABA-induced membrane depolarization. Application of GABA(1–1000 μmol/L) induced an inward current in a concentration-dependent manner in 114 out of 127 DRG neurons(89.8 %) examined with whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. Bath application of GABA(1–1000 μmol/L) evoked a depolarizing response in 236 out of 257(91.8%) DRG neurons examined with intracellular recordings. Application of SP(0.001–1 μmol/L) suppressed the GABA-activated inward current and membrane depolarization. The inhibitory effects were concentration-dependent and could be blocked by the selective neurokinin 1(NK1) receptors antagonist spantide but not by L659187 and SR142801(1 μmol/L, n=7), selective antagonists of NK2 and NK3. The inhibitory effect of SP was significantly reduced by the calcium chelator BAPTA-AM, phospholipase C(PLC) inhibitor U73122, and PKC inhibitor chelerythrine, respectively. The PKA inhibitor H-89 did not affect the SP effect. Remarkably, the inhibitory effect of SP on GABA-activated current was nearly completely removed by a selective PKCε inhibitor epilon-V1-2 but not by safingol and LY333531, selective inhibitors of PKCα and PKCβ. Our results suggest that NK1 receptor mediates SP-induced inhibition of GABA-activated current and membrane depolarization by activating intracellular PLC-Ca2+-PKCε cascade. SP might regulate the excitability of peripheral nociceptors through inhibition of the "pre-synaptic inhibition" evoked by GABA, which may explain its role in pain and neurogenic inflammation.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.30160026)the Youth Science and Technology Innovation Special Foundation of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps,China(No.2010JC33)
文摘mRNAs of alpha-adrenoceptor(α-AR) subtypes are found in neurons in dorsal root ganglion(DRG) and change after peripheral nerve injury. In this study, the distribution of α-AR subtype proteins was studied in L5 DRG of normal rats and rats with chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve(CCI). Using immunofluorescence technique, it was found that α1A-, α1B-, and α2A-AR proteins were expressed in large, medium, and small size neurons in normal DRG, and significantly increased in all size neurons 14 days after CCI. α1D- and α2C-AR was also expressed in all size neurons in normal DRG. However, α1D-AR was significantly increased and α2C-AR was decreased in small size neurons 14 days post CCI. α2B-AR neurons were not detectable in normal and CCI DRG. Co-expression of α1A- and α2A-AR in the same neuron was observed in normal DRG and increased post CCI. Collectively, these results indicated that there is distinct distribution of α-AR subtypes in DRG neurons, and the distribution and levels of expression of α-AR subtypes change differently after CCI. The up-regulation of α-AR subtypes in DRG neurons may play an important role in the process of generating and transmitting neuropathic pain.
基金supported by the Youth Shihezi University Applied Basic Research Project of China,No.2015ZRKYQ-LH19
文摘Estrogen affects the generation and transmission of neuropathic pain,but the specific regulatory mechanism is still unclear.Activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate acid receptor 1(NMDAR1) plays an important role in the production and maintenance of hyperalgesia and allodynia.The present study was conducted to determine whether a relationship exists between estrogen and NMDAR1 in peripheral nerve pain.A chronic sciatic nerve constriction injury model of chronic neuropathic pain was established in rats.These rats were then subcutaneously injected with 17β-estradiol,the NMDAR1 antagonist D(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid(AP-5),or both once daily for 15 days.Compared with injured drug na?ve rats,rats with chronic sciatic nerve injury that were administered estradiol showed a lower paw withdrawal mechanical threshold and a shorter paw withdrawal thermal latency,indicating increased sensitivity to mechanical and thermal pain.Estrogen administration was also associated with increased expression of NMDAR1 immunoreactivity(as assessed by immunohistochemistry) and protein(as determined by western blot assay) in spinal dorsal root ganglia.This 17β-estradiol-induced increase in NMDAR1 expression was blocked by co-administration with AP-5,whereas AP-5 alone did not affect NMDAR1 expression.These results suggest that 17β-estradiol administration significantly reduced mechanical and thermal pain thresholds in rats with chronic constriction of the sciatic nerve,and that the mechanism for this increased sensitivity may be related to the upregulation of NMDAR1 expression in dorsal root ganglia.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30160026(to JQS)the High Level Talent Research Project of Shihezi University of China,No.RCSX201705(to YW)
文摘Sodium-potassium-chloride cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) and potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) are associated with the transmission of peripheral pain.We investigated whether the increase of NKCC1 and KCC2 is associated with peripheral pain transmission in dorsal root ganglion neurons.To this aim,rats with persistent hyperalgesia were randomly divided into four groups.Rats in the control group received no treatment,and the rat sciatic nerve was only exposed in the sham group.Rats in the chronic constriction injury group were established into chronic constriction injury models by ligating sciatic nerve and rats were given bumetanide,an inhibitor of NKCC1,based on chronic constriction injury modeling in the chronic constriction injury + bumetanide group.In the experiment measuring thermal withdrawal latency,bumetanide (15 mg/kg) was intravenously administered.In the patch clamp experiment,bumetanide (10 μg/μL) and acutely isolated dorsal root ganglion neurons (on day 14) were incubated for 1 hour,or bumetanide (5 μg/μL) was intrathecally injected.The Hargreaves test was conducted to detect changes in thermal hyperalgesia in rats.We found that the thermal withdrawal latency of rats was significantly decreased on days 7,14,and 21 after model establishment.After intravenous injection of bumetanide,the reduction in thermal retraction latency caused by model establishment was significantly inhibited.Immunohistochemistry and western blot assay results revealed that the immune response and protein expression of NKCC1 in dorsal root ganglion neurons of the chronic constriction injury group increased significantly on days 7,14,and 21 after model establishment.No immune response or protein expression of KCC2 was observed in dorsal root ganglion neurons before and after model establishment.The Cl^– (chloride ion) fluorescent probe technique was used to evaluate the change of Cl^– concentration in dorsal root ganglion neurons of chronic constriction injury model rats.We found that the relative optical density of N-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)-6-methoxyquinolinium bromide (a Cl^– fluorescent probe whose fluorescence Cenintensity decreases as Cl– concentration increases) in the dorsal root ganglion neurons of the chronic constriction injury group was significantly decreased on days 7 and 14 after model establishment.The whole-cell patch clamp technique revealed that the resting potential and action potential frequency of dorsal root ganglion neurons increased,and the threshold and rheobase of action potentials decreased in the chronic constriction injury group on day 14 after model establishment.After bumetanide administration,the above indicators were significantly suppressed.These results confirm that CCI can induce abnormal overexpression of NKCC1,thereby increasing the Cl^– concentration in dorsal root ganglion neurons;this then enhances the excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons and ultimately promotes hyperalgesia and allodynia.In addition,bumetanide can achieve analgesic effects.All experiments were approved by the Institutional Ethics Review Board at the First Affiliated Hospital,College of Medicine,Shihezi University,China on February 22,2017 (approval No.A2017-169-01).
基金supported by the Key Project of Clinical Subject of the Health Ministry,China (2010-2012),No.[2010]439
文摘Studies have shown that retreatment of the distal stoma after nerve grafting can stimulate nerve regeneration. The present study attempted to verify the effects of reanastomosis of the distal stoma, after nerve grafting, on nerve regeneration by assessing brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in 2-month-old rats. Results showed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in L 2-4 dorsal root ganglia began to increase 3 days after autologous nerve grafting post sciatic nerve injury, peaked at 14 days, decreased at 28 days, and reached similar levels to the sham-surgery group at 56 days. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in L 2-4 dorsal root ganglia began to increase 3 days after reanastomosis of the distal stoma, 59 days after autologous nerve grafting post sciatic nerve injury, significantly increased at 63 days, peaked at 70 days, and gradually decreased thereafter, but remained higher compared with the sham-surgery group up to 112 days. The results of this study indicate that reanastomosis of the distal stoma after orthotopic nerve grafting stimulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in L 2-4 dorsal root ganglia.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81501935(to HL)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province of China,No.ZR2014HQ065(to HL)
文摘Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1(TRPA1) is a key player in pain and neurogenic inflammation, and is localized in nociceptive primary sensory dorsal root ganglion(DRG) neurons. TRPA1 plays a major role in the transmission of nociceptive sensory signals. The generation of neurogenic inflammation appears to involve TRPA1-evoked release of calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP). However, it remains unknown whether TRPA1 or CGRP expression is affected by TRPA1 activation. Thus, in this study, we examined TRPA1 and CGRP expression in DRG neurons in vitro after treatment with the TRPA1 activator formaldehyde or the TRPA1 blocker menthol. In addition, we examined the role of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2(ERK1/2) in this process. DRG neurons in culture were exposed to formaldehyde, menthol, the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 + formaldehyde, or PD98059 + menthol. After treatment, real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot assay and double immunofluorescence labeling were performed to evaluate TRPA1 and CGRP expression in DRG neurons. Formaldehyde elevated mRNA and protein levels of TRPA1 and CGRP, as well as the proportion of TRPA1-and CGRP-positive neurons. In contrast, menthol reduced TRPA1 and CGRP expression. Furthermore, the effects of formaldehyde, but not menthol, on CGRP expression were blocked by pretreatment with PD98059. PD98059 pretreatment did not affect TRPA1 expression in the presence of formaldehyde or menthol.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81160158)H0911)Hainan Provincial Science and Technology Bureau
文摘Objective:To explore effect of srGAP3 promotes neurite outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion neurons.Methods:In this study,expression of Slit1 was observed predominantly in the glia.while expression of Robo2 and srCAP3 was detected in sensory neurons of postnatal rat cultured dorsal root ganglion(DRG).Furthermore,upregulation of srGAP3 following sciatic nerve transection was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.Results:It was observed that inhibition of nenrite outgrowth in cultured adult DRG neurons following treatment with anti-srGAP3 or anti-Robo2 was more effectively(1.5-fold higher) than that following treatment with an anti-BDNF positive control antibody.It demonstrated that srGAP3 interacted with Robo2 and Slit1 protein to decrease Rac1-CTP activity in cultured adult rat DRG neurons and the opposite effect on Rac1-GTP activity was detected by co-immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting analyses following treatment with anti-Robo2 or anti-srGAP3.These data demonstrated a role for srGAP3 in nenrite outgrowth ol DRG sensory neurons.Conclusions:Our observations suggest that srGAP3 promotes neurile outgrowth and filopodial growth cones by interacting with Robo2 to inactivate Rac1 in mammalian DRG neurons.
文摘Neuropathic pain has been hypothesized to be the result of aberrant expression and function of sodium channels at the site of injury. To investigate the effects of NaV1.8 antisense oligonucleotide on the expression of sodium channel mRNA in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in chronic neuropathic pain. 24 Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-260 g were anesthetized with the intraperitoneal injection of 300 mg·kg -1 choral hydrate. The CCI model was made by loose ligation of sciatic nerve trunk by 4-0 chromic gut. The mechanical and thermal pain threshold were measured before operation and 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 days after operation. A PE-10 catheter was implanted in subarachnoid space at lumbar region. On the 7th postoperative day the animals were randomly divided into 4 groups. The drugs were injected intrathecally twice a day for 5 consecutive days in group 2-4. The animals were decapitated 14 days after the surgery. The L4-L6 DRG of the operated side was removed and crushed, and total RNA was extracted with Trizol reagent. The contralateral side was used as control. The change of NaV1.8 sodium channel transcripts was determined by RT-PCR. Pain threshold was significantly lowered after CCI as compared with that in control group and was elevated 3 days after antisense oligonucleotide injection. Sensory neuron specific TTX-R sodium channel NaV1.8 transcript was down-regulated after antisense oligonucleotide injection at the dosage of 45 μg as compared with that in CCI group (P<0.01), and it was even greater at the dosage of 90 μg. The intrathecally injected NaV1.8 antisense oligonucleotide can reduce the mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia partially by downregulating the SNS transcript expression.
基金the Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline Project,No.S30201the Doctoral Research Foundation of Nanchang University
文摘Short-term, low-frequency electrical stimulation of neural tissues significantly enhances axonal regeneration of peripheral nerves following injury. However, little is known about the mechanisms of electrical stimulation to induce neurite outgrowth. In the present study, short-term, low-frequency electrical stimulation, using identical stimulation parameters of in vivo experiments, was administered to in vitro dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Enhanced neurite outgrowth, as well as synthesis and release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), were examined in electrical stimulation-treated DRG neuronal cultures. Because the effects of electrical stimulation on neuronal intracellular signaling molecules are less reported, classic calcium intracellular signals are directly or indirectly involved in electrical stimulation effects on neurons. Cultured DRG neurons were pretreated with the calcium channel blocker nifedipine, followed by electrical stimulation. Results suggested that electrical stimulation not only promoted in vitro neurite outgrowth, but also enhanced BDNF expression. However, nifedipine reduced electrical stimulation-enhanced neurite outgrowth and BDNF biosynthesis. These results suggest that the promoting effects of electrical stimulation on DRG neurite outgrowth could be associated with altered calcium influx, which is involved induction of neuronal BDNF expression and secretion.
基金supported by the Rhone Alps Region of France, MIRA grants for the collaboration,the Agence National de la Recherche (ANR) RIB,the CNRS (International program for Scientific Cooperation, "PICS")
文摘This study examined the isolation and differentiation of dorsal root ganglion progenitor cells for therapeutic use in neurodegenerative diseases. Rat embryonic dorsal root ganglia progenitors were isolated and purified using the differential adhesion method combined with cytosine arabinoside treatment. After culture in serum-free medium supplemented with B27, basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor, these cells remained viable and survived for more than 18 months in vitro. Most cells differentiated to neurons that were immunoreactive for gamma-aminobutyric acid and choline acetyltransferase as detected by immunohistochemical staining. In addition, nerve growth factor and neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor expression were also observed in dorsal root ganglion progenitors and differentiated cells. K252a, an inhibitor that blocks nerve growth factor-induced signaling, inhibited cell survival, suggesting the possible existence of a nerve growth factor autocrine loop in these proliferating cells.
基金supported by Technology Foundation for Selected Overseas Chinese Scholar,Ministry of Personnel of China,2011,Ren 1144
文摘The use of iodine-125(125I) in cancer treatment has been shown to relieve patients' pain. Considering dorsal root ganglia are critical for neural transmission between the peripheral and central nervous systems, we assumed that 125 I could be implanted into rat dorsal root ganglia to provide relief for neuropathic pain. 125 I seeds with different radioactivity(0, 14.8, 29.6 MBq) were implanted separately through L4–5 and L5–6 intervertebral foramen into the vicinity of the L5 dorsal root ganglion. von Frey hair results demonstrated the mechanical pain threshold was elevated after implanting 125 I seeds from the high radioactivity group. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that nuclear membrane shrinkage, nucleolar margination, widespread mitochondrial swelling, partial vacuolization, lysosome increase, and partial endoplasmic reticulum dilation were visible at 1,440 hours in the low radioactivity group and at 336 hours in the high radioactivity group. Abundant nuclear membrane shrinkage, partial fuzzy nuclear membrane and endoplasmic reticulum necrosis were observed at 1,440 hours in the high radioactivity group. No significant difference in combined behavioral scores was detected between preoperation and postoperation in the low and high radioactivity groups. These results suggested that the mechanical pain threshold was elevated after implanting 125 I seeds without influencing motor functions of the hind limb, although cell injury was present.
文摘BACKGROUND: Ketamine is a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists and plays an important role in the treatment of pain. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the preemptive analgesic effects of different doses of ketamine on growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43) expression in dorsal root ganglion in a rat model of chronic sciatic nerve constricted injury, and to study the differences between high-dose and low-dose ketamine DESIGN: Randomized controlled animal study. SETTING: Medical College of Shantou University. MATERIALS: Thirty-five adult male Sprague Dawley rats were provided by the Experimental Animal Center of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ketamine hydrochloride injection was provided by Hengrui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Jiangsu. METHODS: This study was performed at the Immunological Laboratory, Medical College of Shantou University from September to December 2006. Model of chronic sciatic nerve constricted injury: after anesthesia, the right sciatic nerve was exposed and ligated 1-cm distal to the ischiadic tuberosity with a No. 3-0 cat gut suture. Grouping and intervention: 35 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group (n = 5), chronic constriction injury (CCI) group (n = 10), low-dose ketamine group (n = 10), and high-dose ketamine group (n = 10). Rats in the normal control group did not undergo any surgery or drug intervention. Rats in the CCI group received intraperitoneal injection of saline (1 mL), and their sciatic nerves were ligated after 10 minutes. Rats in the low-dose ketamine group underwent intraperitoneal injection of ketamine (25 mg/kg) 10 minutes prior to ligation of sciatic nerve; while, rats in the high-dose ketamine group were given intraperitoneal injection of ketamine (50 mg/kg) 10 minutes prior to ligation of sciatic nerve. On the third and the seventh days after surgery, dorsal root ganglion were resected from the sciatic nerve and cut into sections. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: GAP-43 expression in dorsal root ganglion was detected by immunohistochemistry and image analysis system, as well as semi-quantitative analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-five Sprague Dawley rats were included in the final analysis. Qualitative analysis: GAP-43 expression in the CCI group was higher than in the normal control group. Quantitative analysis: after three post-operative days, GAP-43 expression in the CCI group was significantly higher than in the normal control group (t = 22.919, 7.319, P < 0.05). GAP-43 expression in the low-dose and high-dose ketamine group was significantly lower than in the CCI group (t = 11.166, 26.474, P < 0.05). After seven postoperative days, GAP-43 expression in the low-dose and high-dose ketamine groups was significantly lower than in the CCI group (t = 2.382, 5.016, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Preoperative administration of ketamine inhibited the increased GAP-43 expression in dorsal root ganglion during neuropathic pain.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China （30030040）.
文摘Objective The relationship between firing pattern and sensitivity of neurons was studied in chronically compressed dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and the Hindmarsh-Rose (HR) neuronal model. Methods Spontaneous activities from single fibers of chronically compressed DRG neurons in rats were recorded, and divided into periodic and non-periodic firing patterns. The sensitivity of the two kinds of firing pattern neuron to sympathetic stimulation (SS) was compared. Result It was found that 27.3% of periodic firing neurons and 93.2% of non-periodic firing neurons responded to SS respectively (periodic vs non-periodic, P<0.01). The responses to SS with different stimulation time were greater non-periodic firing neurons than periodic firing neurons (P<0.01). The non-periodic firing neurons obviously responded to SS. After the firing pattern of these neurons transformed to periodic firing pattern, their responses to SS disappeared or decreased obviously. The HR neuronal model exhibited a significantly greater response to perturbation in non-periodic (chaotic) firing pattern than in periodic firing pattern. Conclusion The non-periodic firing neurons with deterministic chaos are more sensitive to external stimuli than the periodic firing neurons.
