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Dynorphinergic system alterations in the corticostriatal circuitry of neuropathic mice support its role in the negative affective component of pain.
- Source :
-
Genes, brain, and behavior [Genes Brain Behav] 2019 Jul; Vol. 18 (6), pp. e12467. Date of Electronic Publication: 2018 Mar 15. - Publication Year :
- 2019
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Abstract
- The dynorphinergic system is involved in pain transmission at spinal level, where dynorphin exerts antinociceptive or pronociceptive effects, based on its opioid or non-opioid actions. Surprisingly, little evidence is currently available concerning the supraspinal role of the dynorphinergic system in pain conditions. The present study aimed to investigate whether neuropathic pain is accompanied by prodynorphin (Pdyn) and κ-opioid receptor (Oprk1) gene expression alterations in selected mouse brain areas. To this end, mice were subjected to chronic constriction injury of the right sciatic nerve and neuropathic pain behavioral signs were ascertained after 14 days. At this interval, a marked increase in Pdyn mRNA in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) was observed. Oprk1 gene expression was increased in the PFC, and decreased in the ACC and nucleus accumbens (NAc). No changes were observed in the other investigated regions. Because of the relationship between dynorphin and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and the role of this neurotrophin in chronic pain-related neuroplasticity, we investigated brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (Bdnf) expression in the areas showing Pdyn or Oprk1 mRNAs changes. Bdnf mRNA levels were increased in both the ACC and PFC, whereas no changes were assessed in the NAc. Present data indicate that the dynorphinergic system undergoes quite selective alterations involving the corticostriatal circuitry during neuropathic pain, suggesting a contribution to the negative affective component of pain. Moreover, parallel increases in Pdyn and Bdnf mRNA at cortical level suggest the occurrence of likely interactions between these systems in neuropathic pain maladaptive neuroplasticity.<br /> (© 2018 The Authors. Genes, Brain and Behavior published by International Behavioural and Neural Genetics Society and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
- Subjects :
- Animals
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor genetics
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor metabolism
Cerebral Cortex physiopathology
Enkephalins metabolism
Male
Mice
Neuralgia metabolism
Neuralgia physiopathology
Nucleus Accumbens physiopathology
Protein Precursors metabolism
RNA, Messenger genetics
RNA, Messenger metabolism
Receptors, Opioid, kappa genetics
Receptors, Opioid, kappa metabolism
Cerebral Cortex metabolism
Enkephalins genetics
Neuralgia genetics
Nucleus Accumbens metabolism
Protein Precursors genetics
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1601-183X
- Volume :
- 18
- Issue :
- 6
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Genes, brain, and behavior
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 29430855
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/gbb.12467