RESUMEN

Alteration of synaptic function in the dorsal horn (DH) has been implicated as a cellular substrate for the development of neuropathic pain, but certain details remain unclear. In particular, the lack of information on the types of synapses that undergo functional changes hinders the understanding of disease pathogenesis from a synaptic plasticity perspective. Here, we addressed this issue by using optogenetic and retrograde tracing ex vivo to selectively stimulate first-order nociceptors expressing Nav1.8 (NRsNav1.8) and record the responses of spinothalamic tract neurons in spinal lamina I (L1-STTNs). We found that spared nerve injury (SNI) increased excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in L1-STTNs evoked by photostimulation of NRsNav1.8 (referred to as Nav1.8-STTN EPSCs). This effect was accompanied by a significant change in the failure rate and paired-pulse ratio of synaptic transmission from NRsNav1.8 to L1-STTN and in the frequency (not amplitude) of spontaneous EPSCs recorded in L1-STTNs. However, no change was observed in the ratio of AMPA to NMDA receptor-mediated components of Nav1.8-STTN EPSCs or in the amplitude of unitary EPSCs constituting Nav1.8-STTN EPSCs recorded with extracellular Ca2+ replaced by Sr2+ In addition, there was a small increase (approximately 10%) in the number of L1-STTNs showing immunoreactivity for phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases in mice after SNI compared with sham. Similarly, only a small percentage of L1-STTNs showed a lower action potential threshold after SNI. In conclusion, our results show that SNI induces presynaptic modulation at NRNav1.8 (consisting of both peptidergic and nonpeptidergic nociceptors) synapses on L1-STTNs forming the lateral spinothalamic tract.

Asunto(s)

Potenciales Postsinápticos Excitadores , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8 , Nociceptores , Tractos Espinotalámicos , Transmisión Sináptica , Animales , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/metabolismo , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/genética , Nociceptores/metabolismo , Nociceptores/fisiología , Tractos Espinotalámicos/metabolismo , Potenciales Postsinápticos Excitadores/fisiología , Masculino , Transmisión Sináptica/fisiología , Ratones , Optogenética , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Ratones Transgénicos

RESUMEN

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a major contributor to inflammatory pain hyperalgesia, however, the extent to which it modulates the activity of nociceptive axons is incompletely understood. We developed and characterized a microfluidic cell culture model to investigate sensitisation of the axons of dorsal root ganglia neurons. We show that application of PGE2 to fluidically isolated axons leads to sensitisation of their responses to depolarising stimuli. Interestingly the application of PGE2 to the DRG axons elicited a direct and persistent spiking activity propagated to the soma. Both the persistent activity and the membrane depolarisation in the axons are abolished by the EP4 receptor inhibitor and a blocker of cAMP synthesis. Further investigated into the mechanisms of the spiking activity showed that the PGE2 evoked depolarisation was inhibited by Nav1.8 sodium channel blockers but was refractory to the application of TTX or zatebradine. Interestingly, the depolarisation of axons was blocked by blocking ANO1 channels with T16Ainh-A01. We further show that PGE2-elicited axonal responses are altered by the changes in chloride gradient within the axons following treatment with bumetanide a Na-K-2Cl cotransporter NKCC1 inhibitor, but not by VU01240551 an inhibitor of potassium-chloride transporter KCC2. Our data demonstrate a novel role for PGE2/EP4/cAMP pathway which culminates in a sustained depolarisation of sensory axons mediated by a chloride current through ANO1 channels. Therefore, using a microfluidic culture model, we provide evidence for a potential dual function of PGE2 in inflammatory pain: it sensitises depolarisation-evoked responses in nociceptive axons and directly triggers action potentials by activating ANO1 and Nav1.8 channels.

Asunto(s)

Anoctamina-1 , Axones , Dinoprostona , Ganglios Espinales , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8 , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/metabolismo , Animales , Dinoprostona/farmacología , Dinoprostona/metabolismo , Axones/metabolismo , Axones/efectos de los fármacos , Axones/fisiología , Ganglios Espinales/metabolismo , Ganglios Espinales/efectos de los fármacos , Ratas , Anoctamina-1/metabolismo , Células Receptoras Sensoriales/metabolismo , Células Receptoras Sensoriales/efectos de los fármacos , Potenciales de Acción/efectos de los fármacos , Subtipo EP4 de Receptores de Prostaglandina E/metabolismo , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Células Cultivadas , Miembro 2 de la Familia de Transportadores de Soluto 12/metabolismo , AMP Cíclico/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Familial episodic pain syndrome (FEPS) is an early childhood onset disorder of severe episodic limb pain caused mainly by pathogenic variants of SCN11A, SCN10A, and SCN9A, which encode three voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) expressed as key determinants of nociceptor excitability in primary sensory neurons. There may still be many undiagnosed patients with FEPS. A better understanding of the associated pathogenesis, epidemiology, and clinical characteristics is needed to provide appropriate diagnosis and care. For this study, nationwide recruitment of Japanese patients was conducted using provisional clinical diagnostic criteria, followed by genetic testing for SCN11A, SCN10A, and SCN9A. In the cohort of 212 recruited patients, genetic testing revealed that 64 patients (30.2%) harbored pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants of these genes, consisting of 42 (19.8%), 14 (6.60%), and 8 (3.77%) patients with variants of SCN11A, SCN10A, and SCN9A, respectively. Meanwhile, the proportions of patients meeting the tentative clinical criteria were 89.1%, 52.0%, and 54.5% among patients with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants of each of the three genes, suggesting the validity of these clinical criteria, especially for patients with SCN11A variants. These clinical diagnostic criteria of FEPS will accelerate the recruitment of patients with underlying pathogenic variants who are unexpectedly prevalent in Japan.

Asunto(s)

Pruebas Genéticas , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.7 , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8 , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.9 , Humanos , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.7/genética , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.9/genética , Japón/epidemiología , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/genética , Masculino , Femenino , Pruebas Genéticas/métodos , Adulto , Adolescente , Niño , Predisposición Genética a la Enfermedad , Adulto Joven , Preescolar , Mutación , Dolor , Recto/anomalías

RESUMEN

The sodium channel NaV1.8, encoded by the SCN10A gene, has recently emerged as a potential regulator of cardiac electrophysiology. We have previously shown that NaV1.8 contributes to arrhythmogenesis by inducing a persistent Na+ current (late Na+ current, INaL) in human atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes (CM). We now aim to further investigate the contribution of NaV1.8 to human ventricular arrhythmogenesis at the CM-specific level using pharmacological inhibition as well as a genetic knockout (KO) of SCN10A in induced pluripotent stem cell CM (iPSC-CM). In functional voltage-clamp experiments, we demonstrate that INaL was significantly reduced in ventricular SCN10A-KO iPSC-CM and in control CM after a specific pharmacological inhibition of NaV1.8. In contrast, we did not find any effects on ventricular APD90. The frequency of spontaneous sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ sparks and waves were reduced in SCN10A-KO iPSC-CM and control cells following the pharmacological inhibition of NaV1.8. We further analyzed potential triggers of arrhythmias and found reduced delayed afterdepolarizations (DAD) in SCN10A-KO iPSC-CM and after the specific inhibition of NaV1.8 in control cells. In conclusion, we show that NaV1.8-induced INaL primarily impacts arrhythmogenesis at a subcellular level, with minimal effects on systolic cellular Ca2+ release. The inhibition or knockout of NaV1.8 diminishes proarrhythmic triggers in ventricular CM. In conjunction with our previously published results, this work confirms NaV1.8 as a proarrhythmic target that may be useful in an anti-arrhythmic therapeutic strategy.

Asunto(s)

Arritmias Cardíacas , Ventrículos Cardíacos , Células Madre Pluripotentes Inducidas , Miocitos Cardíacos , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8 , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/metabolismo , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/genética , Humanos , Células Madre Pluripotentes Inducidas/metabolismo , Células Madre Pluripotentes Inducidas/citología , Miocitos Cardíacos/metabolismo , Miocitos Cardíacos/efectos de los fármacos , Ventrículos Cardíacos/metabolismo , Ventrículos Cardíacos/citología , Arritmias Cardíacas/metabolismo , Arritmias Cardíacas/genética , Arritmias Cardíacas/etiología , Potenciales de Acción/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

Chronic pain is a common and challenging clinical problem that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. The sodium channel Nav1.8 plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of chronic pain, making it one of the key targets for treating chronic pain. In this article, we combined virtual screening with cell membrane chromatography techniques to establish a novel method for rapid high-throughput screening of selective Nav1.8 inhibitors. Using this approach, we identified a small molecule compound 6, which not only demonstrated high affinity and inhibitory activity against Nav1.8 but also exhibited significant inhibitory effects on CFA-induced chronic inflammatory pain. Compared to the positive drug VX-150, compound 6 showed a more prolonged analgesic effect, making it a promising candidate as a Nav1.8 inhibitor with potential clinical applications. This discovery provides a new therapeutic option for the treatment of chronic pain.

Asunto(s)

Analgésicos , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8 , Sulfonamidas , Analgésicos/farmacología , Analgésicos/química , Analgésicos/síntesis química , Sulfonamidas/química , Sulfonamidas/farmacología , Sulfonamidas/síntesis química , Animales , Humanos , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/metabolismo , Relación Estructura-Actividad , Bencenosulfonamidas , Estructura Molecular , Ratones , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Bloqueadores del Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje/farmacología , Bloqueadores del Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje/química , Bloqueadores del Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje/síntesis química

RESUMEN

Voltage-gated sodium channel subtypes, Nav1.7, Nav1.8, and Nav1.9 are predominantly expressed in peripheral sensory neurons. Recent genetic studies have revealed that they are involved in pathological pain processing and that the blockade of Nav1.7, Nav1.8, or Nav1.9 will become a promising pharmacotherapy especially for neuropathic pain. A growing number of drug discovery programs have targeted either of the subtypes to obtain a selective inhibitor which can provide pain relief without affecting the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, though none of them has been approved yet. Here we describe the in vitro characteristics of ANP-230, a novel sodium channel blocker under clinical development. Surprisingly, ANP-230 was shown to block three pain-related subtypes, human Nav1.7, Nav1.8, and Nav1.9 with similar potency, but had only low inhibitory activity to human cardiac Nav1.5 channel and rat central Nav channels. The voltage clamp experiments using different step pulse protocols revealed that ANP-230 had a "tonic block" mode of action without state- and use-dependency. In addition, ANP-230 caused a depolarizing shift of the activation curve and decelerated gating kinetics in human Nav1.7-stably expressing cells. The depolarizing shift of activation curve was commonly observed in human Nav1.8-stably expressing cells as well as rat dorsal root ganglion neurons. These data suggested a quite unique mechanism of Nav channel inhibition by ANP-230. Finally, ANP-230 reduced excitability of rat dorsal root ganglion neurons in a concentration dependent manner. Collectively, these promising results indicate that ANP-230 could be a potent drug for neuropathic pain.

Asunto(s)

Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.7 , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8 , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.9 , Bloqueadores de los Canales de Sodio , Humanos , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/metabolismo , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/genética , Animales , Ratas , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.9/metabolismo , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.9/genética , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.7/metabolismo , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.7/genética , Bloqueadores de los Canales de Sodio/farmacología , Células HEK293 , Bloqueadores del Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje/farmacología , Ganglios Espinales/metabolismo , Ganglios Espinales/efectos de los fármacos , Ganglios Espinales/citología

RESUMEN

Nociceptive sensory neurons convey pain-related signals to the CNS using action potentials. Loss-of-function mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 cause insensitivity to pain (presumably by reducing nociceptor excitability) but clinical trials seeking to treat pain by inhibiting NaV1.7 pharmacologically have struggled. This may reflect the variable contribution of NaV1.7 to nociceptor excitability. Contrary to claims that NaV1.7 is necessary for nociceptors to initiate action potentials, we show that nociceptors can achieve similar excitability using different combinations of NaV1.3, NaV1.7, and NaV1.8. Selectively blocking one of those NaV subtypes reduces nociceptor excitability only if the other subtypes are weakly expressed. For example, excitability relies on NaV1.8 in acutely dissociated nociceptors but responsibility shifts to NaV1.7 and NaV1.3 by the fourth day in culture. A similar shift in NaV dependence occurs in vivo after inflammation, impacting ability of the NaV1.7-selective inhibitor PF-05089771 to reduce pain in behavioral tests. Flexible use of different NaV subtypes exemplifies degeneracy - achieving similar function using different components - and compromises reliable modulation of nociceptor excitability by subtype-selective inhibitors. Identifying the dominant NaV subtype to predict drug efficacy is not trivial. Degeneracy at the cellular level must be considered when choosing drug targets at the molecular level.

Asunto(s)

Analgésicos , Bencenosulfonamidas , Nociceptores , Éteres Fenílicos , Animales , Analgésicos/farmacología , Nociceptores/metabolismo , Nociceptores/efectos de los fármacos , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.7/metabolismo , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.7/genética , Ratones , Potenciales de Acción/efectos de los fármacos , Dolor/tratamiento farmacológico , Humanos , Canales de Sodio/metabolismo , Canales de Sodio/genética , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/metabolismo , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/genética

RESUMEN

Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect of vincristine treatment, which is accompanied by pain and can be dose-limiting. The molecular mechanisms that underlie vincristine-induced pain are not well understood. We have established an animal model to investigate pathophysiological mechanisms of vincristine-induced pain. Our previous studies have shown that the tetrodotoxin-sensitive voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.6 in medium-diameter dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons contributes to the maintenance of vincristine-induced allodynia. In this study, we investigated the effects of vincristine administration on excitability in small-diameter DRG neurons and whether the tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-R) Nav1.8 channels contribute to mechanical allodynia. Current-clamp recordings demonstrated that small DRG neurons become hyper-excitable following vincristine treatment, with both reduced current threshold and increased firing frequency. Using voltage-clamp recordings in small DRG neurons, we now show an increase in TTX-R current density and a -7.3 mV hyperpolarizing shift in the half-maximal potential (V1/2) of activation of Nav1.8 channels in vincristine-treated animals, which likely contributes to the hyperexcitability that we observed in these neurons. Notably, vincristine treatment did not enhance excitability of small DRG neurons from Nav1.8 knockout mice, and the development of mechanical allodynia was delayed but not abrogated in these mice. Together, our data suggest that sodium channel Nav1.8 in small DRG neurons contributes to the development of vincristine-induced mechanical allodynia.

Asunto(s)

Ganglios Espinales , Hiperalgesia , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8 , Neuronas , Vincristina , Animales , Vincristina/toxicidad , Vincristina/farmacología , Ganglios Espinales/metabolismo , Ganglios Espinales/efectos de los fármacos , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/metabolismo , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/genética , Hiperalgesia/inducido químicamente , Hiperalgesia/metabolismo , Ratones , Neuronas/efectos de los fármacos , Neuronas/metabolismo , Masculino , Ratones Noqueados , Tetrodotoxina/farmacología , Potenciales de Acción/efectos de los fármacos , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/toxicidad , Técnicas de Placa-Clamp

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: Our aim was to determine an age-dependent role of Nav1.8 and ASIC3 in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in a rat pre-clinical model of long-term inflammatory pain. METHODS: We compared 6 and 24 months-old female Wistar rats after cutaneous inflammation. We used behavioral pain assessments over time, qPCR, quantitative immunohistochemistry, selective pharmacological manipulation, ELISA and in vitro treatment with cytokines. RESULTS: Older rats exhibited delayed recovery from mechanical allodynia and earlier onset of spontaneous pain than younger rats after inflammation. Moreover, the expression patterns of Nav1.8 and ASIC3 were time and age-dependent and ASIC3 levels remained elevated only in aged rats. In vivo, selective blockade of Nav1.8 with A803467 or of ASIC3 with APETx2 alleviated mechanical and cold allodynia and also spontaneous pain in both age groups with slightly different potency. Furthermore, in vitro IL-1ß up-regulated Nav1.8 expression in DRG neurons cultured from young but not old rats. We also found that while TNF-α up-regulated ASIC3 expression in both age groups, IL-6 and IL-1ß had this effect only on young and aged neurons, respectively. CONCLUSION: Inflammation-associated mechanical allodynia and spontaneous pain in the elderly can be more effectively treated by inhibiting ASIC3 than Nav1.8.

Asunto(s)

Canales Iónicos Sensibles al Ácido , Hiperalgesia , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8 , Dolor , Animales , Femenino , Ratas , Canales Iónicos Sensibles al Ácido/genética , Canales Iónicos Sensibles al Ácido/metabolismo , Canales Iónicos Sensibles al Ácido/farmacología , Analgésicos/uso terapéutico , Ganglios Espinales , Hiperalgesia/tratamiento farmacológico , Hiperalgesia/metabolismo , Inflamación/metabolismo , Dolor/tratamiento farmacológico , Dolor/metabolismo , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Ratas Wistar , Células Receptoras Sensoriales/metabolismo , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/metabolismo

RESUMEN

The immune system has a critical role in orchestrating tissue healing. As a result, regenerative strategies that control immune components have proved effective1,2. This is particularly relevant when immune dysregulation that results from conditions such as diabetes or advanced age impairs tissue healing following injury2,3. Nociceptive sensory neurons have a crucial role as immunoregulators and exert both protective and harmful effects depending on the context4-12. However, how neuro-immune interactions affect tissue repair and regeneration following acute injury is unclear. Here we show that ablation of the NaV1.8 nociceptor impairs skin wound repair and muscle regeneration after acute tissue injury. Nociceptor endings grow into injured skin and muscle tissues and signal to immune cells through the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) during the healing process. CGRP acts via receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1) on neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages to inhibit recruitment, accelerate death, enhance efferocytosis and polarize macrophages towards a pro-repair phenotype. The effects of CGRP on neutrophils and macrophages are mediated via thrombospondin-1 release and its subsequent autocrine and/or paracrine effects. In mice without nociceptors and diabetic mice with peripheral neuropathies, delivery of an engineered version of CGRP accelerated wound healing and promoted muscle regeneration. Harnessing neuro-immune interactions has potential to treat non-healing tissues in which dysregulated neuro-immune interactions impair tissue healing.

Asunto(s)

Péptido Relacionado con Gen de Calcitonina , Macrófagos , Neutrófilos , Nociceptores , Cicatrización de Heridas , Animales , Ratones , Comunicación Autocrina , Péptido Relacionado con Gen de Calcitonina/metabolismo , Péptido Relacionado con Gen de Calcitonina/farmacología , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/complicaciones , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/metabolismo , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/patología , Eferocitosis , Macrófagos/citología , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Monocitos/citología , Monocitos/metabolismo , Músculo Esquelético , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/deficiencia , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/genética , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/metabolismo , Neutrófilos/citología , Neutrófilos/metabolismo , Nociceptores/metabolismo , Comunicación Paracrina , Enfermedades del Sistema Nervioso Periférico/complicaciones , Proteína 1 Modificadora de la Actividad de Receptores/metabolismo , Regeneración/efectos de los fármacos , Piel , Trombospondina 1/metabolismo , Cicatrización de Heridas/efectos de los fármacos , Cicatrización de Heridas/inmunología , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino

RESUMEN

Chronic pain is a growing global health problem affecting at least 10% of the world's population. However, current chronic pain treatments are inadequate. Voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs) play a pivotal role in regulating neuronal excitability and pain signal transmission and thus are main targets for nonopioid painkiller development, especially those preferentially expressed in dorsal root ganglial (DRG) neurons, such as Nav1.6, Nav1.7, and Nav1.8. In this study, we screened in virtual hits from dihydrobenzofuran and 3-hydroxyoxindole hybrid molecules against Navs via a veratridine (VTD)-based calcium imaging method. The results showed that one of the molecules, 3g, could inhibit VTD-induced neuronal activity significantly. Voltage clamp recordings demonstrated that 3g inhibited the total Na+ currents of DRG neurons in a concentration-dependent manner. Biophysical analysis revealed that 3g slowed the activation, meanwhile enhancing the inactivation of the Navs. Additionally, 3g use-dependently blocked Na+ currents. By combining with selective Nav inhibitors and a heterozygous expression system, we demonstrated that 3g preferentially inhibited the TTX-S Na+ currents, specifically the Nav1.7 current, other than the TTX-R Na+ currents. Molecular docking experiments implicated that 3g binds to a known allosteric site at the voltage-sensing domain IV(VSDIV) of Nav1.7. Finally, intrathecal injection of 3g significantly relieved mechanical pain behavior in the spared nerve injury (SNI) rat model, suggesting that 3g is a promising candidate for treating chronic pain.

Asunto(s)

Dolor Crónico , Indoles , Neuralgia , Ratas , Animales , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8 , Neuralgia/tratamiento farmacológico , Neuralgia/metabolismo , Ganglios Espinales/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Small molecules directly targeting the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) NaV1.7 have not been clinically successful. We reported that preventing the addition of a small ubiquitin-like modifier onto the NaV1.7-interacting cytosolic collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) blocked NaV1.7 function and was antinociceptive in rodent models of neuropathic pain. Here, we discovered a CRMP2 regulatory sequence (CRS) unique to NaV1.7 that is essential for this regulatory coupling. CRMP2 preferentially bound to the NaV1.7 CRS over other NaV isoforms. Substitution of the NaV1.7 CRS with the homologous domains from the other eight VGSC isoforms decreased NaV1.7 currents. A cell-penetrant decoy peptide corresponding to the NaV1.7-CRS reduced NaV1.7 currents and trafficking, decreased presynaptic NaV1.7 expression, reduced spinal CGRP release, and reversed nerve injury-induced mechanical allodynia. Importantly, the NaV1.7-CRS peptide did not produce motor impairment, nor did it alter physiological pain sensation, which is essential for survival. As a proof-of-concept for a NaV1.7 -targeted gene therapy, we packaged a plasmid encoding the NaV1.7-CRS in an AAV virus. Treatment with this virus reduced NaV1.7 function in both rodent and rhesus macaque sensory neurons. This gene therapy reversed and prevented mechanical allodynia in a model of nerve injury and reversed mechanical and cold allodynia in a model of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. These findings support the conclusion that the CRS domain is a targetable region for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain.

Asunto(s)

Dolor Crónico , Neuralgia , Animales , Hiperalgesia/inducido químicamente , Dolor Crónico/genética , Dolor Crónico/terapia , Macaca mulatta/metabolismo , Neuralgia/genética , Neuralgia/terapia , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.7/genética , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.7/metabolismo , Ganglios Espinales/metabolismo , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8

RESUMEN

In heart failure and atrial fibrillation, a persistent Na+ current (INaL) exerts detrimental effects on cellular electrophysiology and can induce arrhythmias. We have recently shown that NaV1.8 contributes to arrhythmogenesis by inducing a INaL. Genome-wide association studies indicate that mutations in the SCN10A gene (NaV1.8) are associated with increased risk for arrhythmias, Brugada syndrome, and sudden cardiac death. However, the mediation of these NaV1.8-related effects, whether through cardiac ganglia or cardiomyocytes, is still a subject of controversial discussion. We used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate homozygous atrial SCN10A-KO-iPSC-CMs. Ruptured-patch whole-cell patch-clamp was used to measure the INaL and action potential duration. Ca2+ measurements (Fluo 4-AM) were performed to analyze proarrhythmogenic diastolic SR Ca2+ leak. The INaL was significantly reduced in atrial SCN10A KO CMs as well as after specific pharmacological inhibition of NaV1.8. No effects on atrial APD90 were detected in any groups. Both SCN10A KO and specific blockers of NaV1.8 led to decreased Ca2+ spark frequency and a significant reduction of arrhythmogenic Ca2+ waves. Our experiments demonstrate that NaV1.8 contributes to INaL formation in human atrial CMs and that NaV1.8 inhibition modulates proarrhythmogenic triggers in human atrial CMs and therefore NaV1.8 could be a new target for antiarrhythmic strategies.

Asunto(s)

Fibrilación Atrial , Insuficiencia Cardíaca , Humanos , Fibrilación Atrial/genética , Fibrilación Atrial/metabolismo , Estudio de Asociación del Genoma Completo , Antiarrítmicos/farmacología , Miocitos Cardíacos/metabolismo , Insuficiencia Cardíaca/metabolismo , Potenciales de Acción , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/genética , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/metabolismo

RESUMEN

We illustrate use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as platforms for investigating cardiomyocyte phenotypes in a human family pedigree exemplified by novel heterozygous RYR2-A1855D and SCN10A-Q1362H variants occurring alone and in combination. The proband, a four-month-old boy, presented with polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Genetic tests revealed double novel heterozygous RYR2-A1855D and SCN10A-Q1362H variants inherited from his father (F) and mother (M), respectively. His father showed ventricular premature beats; his mother was asymptomatic. Molecular biological characterizations demonstrated greater TNNT2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in the iPSCs-induced cardiomyocytes (iPS-CMs) than in the iPSCs. Cardiac troponin Ts became progressively organized but cytoplasmic RYR2 and SCN10A aggregations occurred in the iPS-CMs. Proband-specific iPS-CMs showed decreased RYR2 and SCN10A mRNA expression. The RYR2-A1855D variant resulted in premature spontaneous sarcoplasmic reticular Ca2+ transients, Ca2+ oscillations and increased action potential durations. SCN10A-Q1362H did not confer any specific phenotype. However, the combined heterozygous RYR2-A1855D and SCN10A-Q1362H variants in the proband iPS-CMs resulted in accentuated Ca2+ homeostasis disorders, action potential prolongation and susceptibility to early afterdepolarizations at high stimulus frequencies. These findings attribute the clinical phenotype in the proband to effects of the heterozygous RYR2 variant exacerbated by heterozygous SCN10A modification. This article is part of the theme issue 'The heartbeat: its molecular basis and physiological mechanisms'.

Asunto(s)

Células Madre Pluripotentes Inducidas , Taquicardia Ventricular , Humanos , Lactante , Masculino , Arritmias Cardíacas/genética , Arritmias Cardíacas/metabolismo , Calcio/metabolismo , Homeostasis , Mutación , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/genética , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/metabolismo , Canal Liberador de Calcio Receptor de Rianodina/genética , Canal Liberador de Calcio Receptor de Rianodina/metabolismo , Canal Liberador de Calcio Receptor de Rianodina/farmacología , Taquicardia Ventricular/genética , Taquicardia Ventricular/metabolismo

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder, and its specific pathogenesis is still unclear. We have previously reported that TTX-resistant (TTX-R) sodium channels in colon-specific dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were sensitized in a rat model of visceral hypersensitivity induced by neonatal colonic inflammation (NCI). However, the detailed molecular mechanism for activation of sodium channels remains unknown. This study was designed to examine roles for melatonin (MT) in sensitization of sodium channels in NCI rats. METHODS: Colorectal distention (CRD) in adult male rats as a measure of visceral hypersensitivity. Colon-specific dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were labeled with DiI and acutely dissociated for measuring excitability and sodium channel current under whole-cell patch clamp configurations. Western blot and Immunofluorescence were employed to detect changes in expression of Nav1.8 and MT2. RESULTS: The results showed that rats exhibited visceral hypersensitivity after NCI treatment. Intrathecal application of melatonin significantly increased the threshold of CRD in NCI rats with a dose-dependent manner, but has no role in the control group. Whole-cell patch clamp recording showed that melatonin remarkably decreased the excitability and the density of TTX-R sodium channel in DRG neurons from NCI rats. The expression of MT2 receptor at the protein level was markedly lower in NCI rats. 8MP, an agonist of MT2 receptor, enhanced the distention threshold in NCI rats. Application of 8MP reversed the enhanced hypersensitivity of DRG neurons from NCI rats. 8MP also reduced TTX-R sodium current density and modulated dynamics of TTX-R sodium current activation. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that sensitization of sodium channels of colon DRG neurons in NCI rats is most likely mediated by MT2 receptor, thus identifying a potential target for treatment for chronic visceral pain in patients with IBS.

Asunto(s)

Síndrome del Colon Irritable , Melatonina , Dolor Visceral , Ratas , Animales , Masculino , Síndrome del Colon Irritable/complicaciones , Síndrome del Colon Irritable/tratamiento farmacológico , Síndrome del Colon Irritable/metabolismo , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Melatonina/farmacología , Melatonina/uso terapéutico , Melatonina/metabolismo , Dolor Visceral/metabolismo , Nocicepción , Receptor de Melatonina MT2/metabolismo , Ganglios Espinales/metabolismo , Tetrodotoxina , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/metabolismo

RESUMEN

The meninges are densely innervated by nociceptive sensory neurons that mediate pain and headache1,2. Bacterial meningitis causes life-threatening infections of the meninges and central nervous system, affecting more than 2.5 million people a year3-5. How pain and neuroimmune interactions impact meningeal antibacterial host defences are unclear. Here we show that Nav1.8+ nociceptors signal to immune cells in the meninges through the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) during infection. This neuroimmune axis inhibits host defences and exacerbates bacterial meningitis. Nociceptor neuron ablation reduced meningeal and brain invasion by two bacterial pathogens: Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus agalactiae. S. pneumoniae activated nociceptors through its pore-forming toxin pneumolysin to release CGRP from nerve terminals. CGRP acted through receptor activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP1) on meningeal macrophages to polarize their transcriptional responses, suppressing macrophage chemokine expression, neutrophil recruitment and dural antimicrobial defences. Macrophage-specific RAMP1 deficiency or pharmacological blockade of RAMP1 enhanced immune responses and bacterial clearance in the meninges and brain. Therefore, bacteria hijack CGRP-RAMP1 signalling in meningeal macrophages to facilitate brain invasion. Targeting this neuroimmune axis in the meninges can enhance host defences and potentially produce treatments for bacterial meningitis.

Asunto(s)

Encéfalo , Meninges , Meningitis Bacterianas , Neuroinmunomodulación , Humanos , Encéfalo/inmunología , Encéfalo/microbiología , Péptido Relacionado con Gen de Calcitonina/metabolismo , Meninges/inmunología , Meninges/microbiología , Meninges/fisiopatología , Dolor/etiología , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/metabolismo , Meningitis Bacterianas/complicaciones , Meningitis Bacterianas/inmunología , Meningitis Bacterianas/microbiología , Meningitis Bacterianas/patología , Streptococcus agalactiae/inmunología , Streptococcus agalactiae/patogenicidad , Streptococcus pneumoniae/inmunología , Streptococcus pneumoniae/patogenicidad , Nociceptores/metabolismo , Proteína 1 Modificadora de la Actividad de Receptores/metabolismo , Macrófagos/inmunología , Macrófagos/metabolismo

RESUMEN

AIMS: In the present study, NAN-190 [1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4-[4-(2-phthalimido) butyl] piperazine] was identified as a Nav1.7 blocker. In the meantime, the compound could alleviate the Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain. To understand the molecular mechanisms of NAN-190 on pain, the effect of NAN-190 on Nav1.7 sodium channels was studied. MAIN METHODS: Inflammatory pain was induced by injection of CFA solution into the plantar side of the left hindpaw. Thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia were measured. Whole-cell patch clamp methods were used to record sodium channels and other pain-related targets in the cultured recombinant cells and dorsal root ganglion neurons. KEY FINDINGS: Nan-190 was identified as an inhibitor of Nav1.7 sodium channels and animal experiments showed that NAN-190 significantly alleviated CFA-induced inflammatory pain. Mechanism studies demonstrated that NAN-190 was a state-dependent Nav1.7 blocker with IC50 value on the inactivated state ten-fold more potent than that on the rest state. NAN-190 leftward-shifted the fast and slow inactivation curves about 9.07 mV and 38.56 mV, respectively, but had no effects on channel activation. The compound also slowed the recovery from fast and slow inactivation and showed use-dependent properties. Further, the site-directed mutagenesis experiments demonstrated that NAN-190 mainly worked on the open state of Nav1.7 channels by interacting with sites similar as local anesthetics. In DRG neurons, NAN-190 mainly blocks TTX-sensitive currents but is less sensitive to TTX-R sodium currents. SIGNIFICANCE: Taken together, our results indicated that NAN-190 alleviated pain behaviors by blocking sodium channels by interacting with the open state.

Asunto(s)

Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8 , Serotonina , Animales , Serotonina/farmacología , Canales de Sodio , Dolor/tratamiento farmacológico , Piperazinas/farmacología , Ganglios Espinales , Bloqueadores de los Canales de Sodio/farmacología , Tetrodotoxina/farmacología

RESUMEN

Sodium channel inhibitors used as local anesthetics, antiarrhythmics, or antiepileptics typically have the property of use-dependent inhibition, whereby inhibition is enhanced by repetitive channel activation. For targeting pain, Nav1.8 channels are an attractive target because they are prominent in primary pain-sensing neurons, with little or no expression in most other kinds of neurons, and a number of Nav1.8-targeted compounds have been developed. We examined the characteristics of Nav1.8 inhibition by one of the most potent Nav1.8 inhibitors so far described, A-887826, and found that when studied with physiologic resting potentials and physiologic temperatures, inhibition had strong "reverse use dependence", whereby inhibition was relieved by repetitive short depolarizations. This effect was much stronger with A-887826 than with A-803467, another Nav1.8 inhibitor. The use-dependent relief from inhibition was seen in both human Nav1.8 channels studied in a cell line and in native Nav1.8 channels in mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. In native Nav1.8 channels, substantial relief of inhibition occurred during repetitive stimulation by action potential waveforms at 5 Hz, suggesting that the phenomenon is likely important under physiologic conditions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Nav1.8 sodium channels are expressed in primary pain-sensing neurons and are a prime current target for new drugs for pain. This work shows that one of the most potent Nav1.8 inhibitors, A-887826, has the unusual property that inhibition is relieved by repeated short depolarizations. This "reverse use dependence" may reduce inhibition during physiological firing and should be selected against in drug development.

Asunto(s)

Morfolinas , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8 , Neuronas , Niacinamida , Dolor , Animales , Humanos , Ratones , Ganglios Espinales , Potenciales de la Membrana , Morfolinas/farmacología , Morfolinas/uso terapéutico , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/efectos de los fármacos , Neuronas/efectos de los fármacos , Neuronas/metabolismo , Niacinamida/farmacología , Niacinamida/uso terapéutico , Dolor/tratamiento farmacológico , Dolor/metabolismo , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Ratas

RESUMEN

Pitt Hopkins Syndrome (PTHS) is a rare syndromic form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) caused by autosomal dominant mutations in the Transcription Factor 4 (TCF4) gene. TCF4 is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor that is critical for neurodevelopment and brain function through its binding to cis-regulatory elements of target genes. One potential therapeutic strategy for PTHS is to identify dysregulated target genes and normalize their dysfunction. Here, we propose that SCN10A is an important target gene of TCF4 that is an applicable therapeutic approach for PTHS. Scn10a encodes the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.8 and is consistently shown to be upregulated in PTHS mouse models. In this perspective, we review prior literature and present novel data that suggests inhibiting Nav1.8 in PTHS mouse models is effective at normalizing neuron function, brain circuit activity and behavioral abnormalities and posit this therapeutic approach as a treatment for PTHS.

Asunto(s)

Discapacidad Intelectual , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8 , Animales , Ratones , Trastorno del Espectro Autista/tratamiento farmacológico , Trastorno del Espectro Autista/genética , Trastorno del Espectro Autista/metabolismo , Facies , Hiperventilación/genética , Discapacidad Intelectual/tratamiento farmacológico , Discapacidad Intelectual/genética , Discapacidad Intelectual/metabolismo , Factor de Transcripción 4/genética , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/química , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Polysorbate 80 is a non-ionic detergent derived from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid. It is widely used in pharmaceuticals, foods, and cosmetics as an emulsifier. Nav1.7 is a peripheral sodium channel that is highly expressed in sympathetic and sensory neurons, and it plays a critical role in determining the threshold of action potentials (APs). We found that 10 µg/mL polysorbate 80 either abolished APs or increased the threshold of the APs of dorsal root ganglions. We thus investigated whether polysorbate 80 inhibits Nav1.7 sodium current using a whole-cell patch-clamp recording technique. Polysorbate 80 decreased the Nav1.7 current in a concentration-dependent manner with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 250.4 µg/mL at a holding potential of -120 mV. However, the IC50 was 1.1 µg/mL at a holding potential of -90 mV and was estimated to be 0.9 µg/mL at the resting potentials of neurons, where most channels are inactivated. The activation rate and the voltage dependency of activation of Nav1.7 were not changed by polysorbate 80. However, polysorbate 80 caused hyperpolarizing shifts in the voltage dependency of the steady-state fast inactivation curve. The blocking of Nav1.7 currents by polysorbate 80 was not reversible at a holding potential of -90 mV but was completely reversible at -120 mV, where the channels were mostly in the closed state. Polysorbate 80 also slowed recovery from inactivation and induced robust use-dependent inhibition, indicating that it is likely to bind to and stabilize the inactivated state. Our results indicate that polysorbate 80 inhibits Nav1.7 current in concentration-, state-, and use-dependent manners when used even below commercial concentrations. This suggests that polysorbate 80 may be helpful in pain medicine as an excipient. In addition, in vitro experiments using polysorbate 80 with neurons should be conducted with caution.

Asunto(s)

Neuronas , Polisorbatos , Polisorbatos/farmacología , Polisorbatos/metabolismo , Neuronas/metabolismo , Canales de Sodio/metabolismo , Potenciales de la Membrana/fisiología , Potenciales de Acción , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.7/metabolismo , Canal de Sodio Activado por Voltaje NAV1.8/metabolismo