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The persistence of inflammatory and neuropathic pain is poorly understood. We investigated a novel therapeutic paradigm by targeting gene networks that sustain or reverse persistent pain states. Our prior observations found that Sp1-like transcription factors drive the expression of TRPV1, a pain receptor, that is blocked in vitro by mithramycin A (MTM), an inhibitor of Sp1-like factors. Here, we investigate the ability of MTM to reverse in vivo models of inflammatory and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) pain and explore MTMs underlying mechanisms. Mithramycin reversed inflammatory heat hyperalgesia induced by complete Freund adjuvant and cisplatin-induced heat and mechanical hypersensitivity. In addition, MTM reversed both short-term and long-term (1 month) oxaliplatin-induced mechanical and cold hypersensitivity, without the rescue of intraepidermal nerve fiber loss. Mithramycin reversed oxaliplatin-induced cold hypersensitivity and oxaliplatin-induced TRPM8 overexpression in dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Evidence across multiple transcriptomic profiling approaches suggest that MTM reverses inflammatory and neuropathic pain through broad transcriptional and alternative splicing regulatory actions. Mithramycin-dependent changes in gene expression following oxaliplatin treatment were largely opposite to and rarely overlapped with changes in gene expression induced by oxaliplatin alone. Notably, RNAseq analysis revealed MTM rescue of oxaliplatin-induced dysregulation of mitochondrial electron transport chain genes that correlated with in vivo reversal of excess reactive oxygen species in DRG neurons. This finding suggests that the mechanism(s) driving persistent pain states such as CIPN are not fixed but are sustained by ongoing modifiable transcription-dependent processes.

Objectives: We evaluate the presence of sensitization-associated symptoms and neuropathic pain features and identify if there is an association between these symptoms and pressure pain sensitivity, pain, and related-disability in lateral elbow tendinopathy. Methods: Thirty-seven (43% women, age: 45.5 ± 9.5 years) patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy completed: demographic (i.e. age, height, and weight); clinical (i.e. pain history, pain intensity, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand); and psychophysical (i.e. pressure pain thresholds at the elbow, cervical spine, hand, and leg) outcomes, and the Central Sensitization Inventory and Self-administered Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs questionnaires. Step-wise multiple linear regression models were performed to identify predictors of sensitization- or neuropathic-associated symptoms. Results: Six (16%) patients exhibited sensitization-associated symptoms (mean: 46.5, SD: 6.1), whereas 13 (35%) patients showed neuropathic-associated symptoms (mean: 13.5; SD: 1.4). Sensitization-associated symptoms were positively associated with neuropathic-associated symptoms (r = 0.538, P =.001) and negatively associated with pressure pain thresholds at the leg (r = -0.378, P =.021). Neuropathic-associated symptoms were positively associated with related-disability (r = 0.479, P =.003) and negatively associated with pressure pain threshold at the elbow (r = -0.394, P =.017). Stepwise regression analyses revealed that neuropathic-like symptoms explained 26.8% of the variance of sensitization symptoms (r2: 0.268), whereas pressure pain threshold at the elbow explained an additional 6.6% to neuropathic-like symptoms (r2: 0.334). Conclusion: This explorative study identified sensitization- and neuropathic-associated symptoms in 16% and 35% of the people with lateral elbow tendinopathy. Sensitization- and neuropathic-associated symptoms were associated. Pressure pain sensitivity at the elbow (peripheral sensitization) was associated with neuropathic -associated symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In addition to its critical role in neurogenesis, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) modulates pain and depressive behaviors. Methods: In a translational perspective, we tested the anti-migraine activity of highly purified and characterized recombinant human BDNF (rhBDNF) in an animal model of cephalic pain based on the chronic and intermittent NTG administration (five total injections over nine days), used to mimic recurrence of attacks over a given period. To achieve this, we assessed the effects of two doses of rhBDNF (40 and 80 µg/kg) administered intranasally to adult male Sprague–Dawley rats, on trigeminal hyperalgesia (by orofacial formalin test), gene expression (by rt-PCR) of neuropeptides and inflammatory cytokines in specific areas of the brain related to migraine pain. Serum levels of CGRP, PACAP, and VIP (by ELISA) were also evaluated. The effects of rhBDNF were compared with those of sumatriptan (5 mg/kg i.p), administered 1 h before the last NTG administration. Results: Both doses of rhBDNF significantly reduced NTG-induced nocifensive behavior in Phase II of the orofacial formalin test. The anti-hyperalgesic effect of intranasal high-dose rhBDNF administration in the NTG-treated animals was associated with a significant modulation of mRNA levels of neuropeptides (CGRP, PACAP, VIP) and cytokines (IL-1beta, IL-10) in the trigeminal ganglion, medulla-pons, and hypothalamic area. Of note, the effects of rhBNDF treatment were comparable to those induced by the administration of sumatriptan. rhBDNF administration at both doses significantly reduced serum levels of PACAP, while the higher dose also significantly reduced serum levels of VIP. Conclusions: The findings suggest that intranasal rhBDNF has the potential to be a safe, non-invasive and effective therapeutic approach for the treatment of primary headache, particularly migraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sress early in life has been linked to visceral hyperalgesia and associated functional gastrointestinal disorders. In a mouse model of visceral hyperalgesia, we investigated whether the EphB2 receptor and its EphrinB2 ligand in spinal cord contribute to dysregulation of glia-neuron interactions. Methods: An established mouse model of stress due to maternal separation (MS). Pups were separated from their mothers for 14 days during early development, then analyzed several weeks later in terms of visceral sensitivity based on the abdominal withdrawal reflex score and in terms of expression of c-fos, EphrinB2, EphB2, and phosphorylated MAP kinases (ERK, p38, JNK). Results: Visceral hyperalgesia due to MS upregulated EphB2, EphrinB2 and c-fos in the spinal cord, and c-fos levels positively correlated with those of EphB2 and EphrinB2. Spinal astrocytes, microglia, and neurons showed upregulation of EphB2, EphrinB2 and phosphorylated MAP kinases. Blocking EphrinB2/EphB2 signaling in MS mice reduced visceral sensitivity, activation of neurons and glia, and phosphorylation of NMDA receptor. Activating EphrinB2/EphB2 signaling in unstressed mice induced visceral hyperalgesia, upregulation of c-fos, and activation of NMDA receptor similar to maternal separation. Conclusion: The stress of MS during early development may lead to visceral hyperalgesia by upregulating EphrinB2/EphB2 in the spinal cord and thereby altering neuron-glia interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Memristors have emerged as a promising candidate to mimic the human behavior and thus unlocking the potential for bio‐inspired computing advancement. However, these devices operate at a voltages which are still far from the energy‐efficient biological counterpart, which uses an action potential of 50–120 mV to process the information. Here, a diffusive memristor is reported from synthetic WSe2 fabricated in Ag/WSe2/Au vertical device geometry. The devices operate at bio‐voltages of 40–80 mV with Ion/Ioff ratio of 106 and steep switching turn ON and OFF slopes of 0.77 and 0.88 mV per decade, respectively. The power consumption in standby mode and power per set transition are found to be 10 fW and 64 pW, respectively. Further, the diffusive memristors are utilized to emulate the nociceptor, a special receptor for sensory neurons that selectively responds to noxious stimuli. Nociceptor in turn imparts a warning signal to the central nervous system which then triggers the motor response to take precautionary actions to prevent the body from injury. The key features of a nociceptor including “threshold”, “relaxation”, “no‐adaptation” and “sensitization” are demonstrated using artificial nociceptors. These illustrations imply the feasibility of developing low‐power diffusive memristors for bio‐inspired computing, humanoid robots, and electronic skins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nocebo hyperalgesia is a pervasive problem in which the treatment context triggers negative expectations that exacerbate pain. Thus, developing ethical strategies to mitigate nocebo hyperalgesia is crucial. Emerging research suggests that choice has the capacity to reduce nocebo side effects, but choice effects on nocebo hyperalgesia have not been explored. This study investigated the impact of choice on conditioned nocebo hyperalgesia using a well-established electrocutaneous pain paradigm where increases in noxious stimulation were surreptitiously paired with the activation of a sham device. In study 1, healthy volunteers (N = 104) were randomised to choice over (nocebo) treatment administration, nocebo administration without choice, or a natural history control group. Nocebo hyperalgesia was greater for those with choice than no choice, suggesting that choice increased rather than diminished nocebo hyperalgesia. Study 2 tested whether providing positive information about the benefits of choice in coping with pain could counteract heightened nocebo hyperalgesia caused by choice. A different sample of healthy adults (N = 137) were randomised to receive nocebo treatment with choice and positive choice information, choice only, or no choice. The positive choice information failed to attenuate the effect of choice on nocebo hyperalgesia. The current results suggest that, rather than decreasing nocebo hyperalgesia, treatment choice may exacerbate pain outcomes when a painful procedure is repeatedly administered. As such, using choice as a strategy to mitigate nocebo outcomes should be treated with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome characterized by widespread chronic pain as the primary symptom. Neurophysiological pain mechanisms, such as the function of the descending inhibitory system, are impaired in this condition. The main objective of this study was to compare the results of two paradigms to evaluate CPM in women with FM. The secondary objective was to correlate the results of each CPM paradigm with the clinical status of patients with FM. Methods: One hundred and three FM women were divided into two groups: fifty patients diagnosed with FM were assigned to the conditioned pain modulation (CPM) group using a cold pressor stimulus, and fifty-three patients were assigned to the CPM group using the ischemic pressure stimulus. The main outcome measures were pain intensity, disability, mechanical hyperalgesia, and CPM. Results: The primary analysis revealed significant differences between the results obtained from the different CPM protocols. Poorer outcomes in the cold pressor test correlated with higher pain intensity and a greater disability index. Conclusions: Pain modulation abnormalities in FM patients were evident when using either the cold pressor or ischemic pressure stimuli to establish the CPM paradigm. The cold pressor conditioning stimulus elicited a stronger response than the ischemic pressure stimulus in FM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol use disorder is highly prevalent worldwide, with characteristically severe pain sensitivity during withdrawal. Here, we established a mouse model of hyperalgesia during ethanol withdrawal (EW) before addiction to investigate the window for onset and underlying mechanisms. Viral tracing with in vivo microendoscopic and two-photon calcium imaging identified a circuit pathway from dorsal hippocampal CA1 glutamatergic neurons (dCA1Glu) to anterior cingulate cortex glutamatergic neurons (ACCGlu) activated in EW mice with hyperalgesia. Chemogenetic inhibition of this pathway can alleviate hyperalgesia in EW mice, whereas artificial activation recapitulates EW-induced hyperalgesia in naïve mice. These findings demonstrate that the dCA1Glu - ACCGlu neuronal pathway participates in driving EW-induced hyperalgesia before ethanol dependence in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractNeuropathic pain, a nerve damage consequence, presents symptoms such as dysesthesia, hyperalgesia, and allodynia. This study aimed to evaluate the alleviating potential of artichoke leaf extract in neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in male rats. The hydroethanolic extract of artichoke leaf was administered via gavage at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 21 days. Behavioural tests were conducted on days 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21 post-surgeries. Only the dose of 800 mg/kg significantly reduced thermal hyperalgesia and allodynia from day 14 and mechanical allodynia from day 7, and the other doses did not affect behaviours. Biochemical analysis showed that artichoke extract decreased lipid peroxidation and restored antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and GPx) in the sciatic nerve tissue. In conclusion, artichoke leaf extract administration diminishes neuropathic pain-related behaviours by enhancing antioxidant capacity and reducing oxidative stress in the rats’ sciatic nerve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the medium‐ and long‐term effects of early environmental enrichment (EE) on neuromotor, nociceptive, cognitive, behavioral, and neurochemical parameters in newborn rats repeatedly exposed to morphine. The study employed 90 Wistar rats: 10 adult nulliparous females and 80 male pups. Litter was split into standard and EE housing. Following, half of each litter received saline (S) or morphine (M) injections, resulting in four groups: SC + S, EE + S, SC + M, and EE + M. EE was applied from PND1 to PND21, while morphine or saline was given daily (5 μg/s.c.) from PND8 to PND14. Neuromotor development was similar between groups. In the OF test, morphine reduced outer and total crossings, whereas EE increased inner crossings and rearings. Adult rats showed a decrease in outer and total crossings and grooming and an increase in rearing. EE increased the number of protected and unprotected head dipping. Adult rats showed an increase in protected head dipping. Adult rats showed a lower recognition index, and, when exposed to EE, a lower anxiety index and analgesia. EE increased brainstem and hippocampal BDNF levels. Adult rats had increased hypothalamus, spinal cord, and brainstem BDNF levels, an increase in the spinal cord, and decreased hypothalamus TNF‐α levels. This study demonstrated that early‐life EE raises BDNF levels in the brainstem and hippocampus of rats and modifies their behaviors (such as nociception, exploration, and anxiety) in a state‐dependent manner (morphine and age). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article in Frontiers in Pain Research explores the role of intraganglionic reactive oxygen species (ROS) in inflammatory pain and hyperalgesia in rats. The study suggests that ROS accumulation in the trigeminal ganglia contributes to hyperalgesia through the TRPA1 receptor. The researchers also discuss potential therapeutic approaches to reduce ROS accumulation or downregulate TRPA1 expression. The document further delves into the intraganglionic mechanisms involved in pain modulation, such as neuropeptide release, ion channel regulation, immune cell interaction, glial cell activation, synaptic plasticity, and modulation of sensory neuron excitability. The understanding of these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted treatments for chronic pain conditions. The document acknowledges the financial support received for the research and declares no conflicts of interest. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Migraine is among the most prevalent and burdensome neurological disorders in the United States based on disability-adjusted life years. Cortical spreading depolarization (SD) is the most likely electrophysiological cause of migraine aura and may be linked to trigeminal nociception. We previously demonstrated, using a minimally invasive optogenetic approach of SD induction (opto-SD), that opto-SD triggers acute periorbital mechanical allodynia that is reversed by 5HT1B/1D receptor agonists, supporting SD-induced activation of migraine-relevant trigeminal pain pathways in mice. Recent data highlight hypothalamic neural circuits in migraine, and SD may activate hypothalamic neurons. Furthermore, neuroanatomical, electrophysiological, and behavioral data suggest a homeostatic analgesic function of hypothalamic neuropeptide hormone, oxytocin. We, therefore, examined the role of hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and oxytocinergic (OXT) signaling in opto-SD-induced trigeminal pain behavior. Methods: We induced a single opto-SD in adult male and female Thy1-ChR2-YFP transgenic mice and quantified fos immunolabeling in the PVN and supraoptic nucleus (SON) compared with sham controls. Oxytocin expression was also measured in fos-positive neurons in the PVN. Periorbital mechanical allodynia was tested after treatment with selective OXT receptor antagonist L-368,899 (5 to 25 mg/kg i.p.) or vehicle at 1, 2, and 4 h after opto-SD or sham stimulation using von Frey monofilaments. Results: Opto-SD significantly increased the number of fos immunoreactive cells in the PVN and SON as compared to sham stimulation (p < 0.001, p = 0.018, respectively). A subpopulation of fos-positive neurons also stained positive for oxytocin. Opto-SD evoked periorbital mechanical allodynia 1 h after SD (p = 0.001 vs. sham), which recovered quickly within 2 h (p = 0.638). OXT receptor antagonist L-368,899 dose-dependently prolonged SD-induced periorbital allodynia (p < 0.001). L-368,899 did not affect mechanical thresholds in the absence of opto-SD. Conclusions: These data support an SD-induced activation of PVN neurons and a role for endogenous OXT in alleviating acute SD-induced trigeminal allodynia by shortening its duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: IL-1β plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of neuroinflammation. The presence of cleaved IL-1β (cIL-1β) in the neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) implicates its function in biological signaling arising from the sensory neuron. This study was conducted to analyze the role of IL-1β in nociceptive transduction after tissue injury. Methods: A plantar incision was made in C57BL/6 mice, following which immunohistochemistry and RNA scope in situ hybridization were performed at various time points to analyze cIL-1β, caspase-1, and IL-1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1) expression in the DRG. The effect of intrathecal administration of a caspase-1 inhibitor or regional anesthesia using local anesthetics on cIL-1β expression and pain hypersensitivity was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and behavioral analysis. ERK phosphorylation was also analyzed to investigate the effect of IL-1β on the activity of spinal dorsal horn neurons. Results: cIL-1β expression was significantly increased in caspase-1-positive DRG neurons 5 min after the plantar incision. Intrathecal caspase-1 inhibitor treatment inhibited IL-1β cleavage and pain hypersensitivity after the plantar incision. IL-1R1 was also detected in the DRG neurons, although the majority of IL-1R1-expressing neurons lacked cIL-1β expression. Regional anesthesia using local anesthetics prevented cIL-1β processing. Plantar incision-induced phosphorylation of ERK was inhibited by the caspase-1 inhibitor. Conclusion: IL-1β in the DRG neuron undergoes rapid cleavage in response to tissue injury in an activity-dependent manner. Cleaved IL-1β causes injury-induced functional activation of sensory neurons and pain hypersensitivity. IL-1β in the primary afferent neurons is involved in physiological nociceptive signal transduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, humans rely on cattle for food production; however, there is rising societal concern surrounding the welfare of farm animals. From a young age, cattle raised for dairy and beef production experience pain caused by routine management procedures and common disease conditions. The fundamental mechanisms, nociceptive pathways, and central nervous system structures required for pain perception are highly conserved among mammalian species. However, there are limitations to a comparative approach to pain assessment due to interspecies differences in the expression of pain. The stoicism of prey species may impede pain identification and lead to the assumption that cattle lack pain sensitivity. This highlights the importance of establishing validated bovine-specific indicators of pain--a prerequisite for evidence-based pain assessment and mitigation. Our first objective is to provide an overview of pain pathophysiology to illustrate the importance of targeted analgesia in livestock medicine and the negative welfare outcomes associated with unmitigated pain. This is followed by a review of available analgesics, the regulations governing their use, and barriers to implementation of on-farm pain management. We then investigate the current research undertaken to evaluate the pain response in cattle--a critical aspect of the drug approval process. With an emphasis on emerging research in animal cognition and pain pathology, we conclude by discussing the significant influence that pain has on cattle welfare and areas where further research and modified practices are indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractOpioid induced hyperalgesia in the postoperative setting presents a significant challenge for clinicians managing postoperative pain in opioid tolerant patients. Remifentanil is a fentanyl analog frequently utilized in anesthesia for its favorable pharmacokinetic profile. However, as described in the case report, it may also increase the risk of postoperative hyperalgesia. Management of postoperative pain in the setting of hyperalgesia should be approached in a stepwise fashion, emphasizing therapy options with analgesic effects achieved outside of the opioidergic system while maintaining a neutral opioid balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the preventive effects of different doses of esketamine on remifentanilinduced hyperalgesia (RIH) in the patients underwent thoracoscopic pnlmonary lobectomy, and to provide the basis for the multimodal analgesia and rapid postoperative recovery. Methods: The prospective, doubleblind, parallel-designed randomized controlled trial (RCT) were conducted, and 107 patients who underwent visual-assisted thoracoscopic pulmonary lobectomy were included. The patients were randomly divided into normal control group, low dose of esketamine group, and high dose of esketamine group using random number methods. Except the patients who were eliminated and those who dropped out of the study, there were 31 patients in normal control group, 33 patients in low dose of esketamine group, and 33 patients in high dose of esketamine group. The patients in low dose of esketamine group were given the intravenous injection of 0. 25 mg·kg-1 esketamine (diluted to 5 mL) during anesthesia induction; the patients in high dose of esketamine group were given the intravenous injection of 0. 50 mg·kg-1 esketamine (diluted to 5 mL), and the patients in normal control group were given 5 mL intravenous injection of saline. The mechanical pain thresholds of the non-dominant forearm skin and skin around the surgical incision at different time points, numeric rating scale (NRS) scores, Ramsay sedation scores, perioperative analgesic drug dosages, and the incidences of adverse reactions such as postoperative delirium, nausea, and vomiting of the patients in various groups were recorded. Results: Compared with normal control group, the mechanical pain thresholds around the surgical incision skin of the patients in low and high doses of esketamine groups were increased (P<0. 05); compared with low dose of esketamine group, the extubation time of the patients in high dose of esketamine group was increased (P<0. 05). Two minutes after anesthesia induction administration, compared with normal control group, the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) of the patients in low and high doses of esketamine groups were increased (P< 0. 05), but there were no significant differences in the MAP and HR of the patients between low dose of esketamine and high dose of esketamine group (P>0. 05); compared with normal control group, the incidences of hallucinations and delirium among the patients in high dose of esketamine group were increased (P<0. 05), while there were no significant differences in the incidences of above adverse reactions in low dose of esketamine group (P>0. 05); compared with low dose of esketamine group, the incidences of hallucinations and delirium among the patients in high dose of esketamine group were increased (P<0. 05). Conclusion: Intravenous administration of esketamine with a dosage of 0. 25 mg·kg-1 during anesthesia induction improves the postoperative mechanical pain threshold of the patients undergoing thoracoscopic pulmonary lobectomy, which exhibits effective prevention of RIH without an increase in incidences of adverse reactions during the perioperative period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To discuss the effect of cold exposure on nociception in the rats and its regulatory mechanism on transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels in the sensory neurons, and to provide the basis for clarifying the biological mechanism of cold-sensitive pain. Methods: Sixteen female SD rats were divided into control group (n=8) and cold group (n=8). The rats in control group were exposed to the environment of (24±2) ℃, and the rats in cold group were exposed to low temperature (4 ℃±1 ℃) in an artificial intelligence climate chamber for 4 h daily, for one week. Von Frey filaments were used to detect the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) of the rats in two groups； immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the expression levels of TRPA1, TRPM8, TRPV1, and TRPV4 in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) tissue of the rats in two groups, the expression levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) in DRG tissue of the rats in two groups, and the expression levels of TRPA1, TRPM8, TRPV1, and TRPV4 in synovial tissue of the rats in two groups. Results: Compared with control group, the MWT of the rats in cold group was significantly decreased (P< 0. 05), the expression levels of TRPA1 and TRPM8 in DRG tissue were significantly increased (P< 0. 05), the expression level of TRPV1 was significantly decreased (P<0. 05), there was no significant difference in the expression level of TRPV4 (P>0. 05), and the expression levels of CGRP and SP were significantly increased (P<0. 05). Compared with control group, the expression level of TRPA1 in synovial tissue of the rats in cold group was significantly increased (P<0. 05), while the expression levels of TRPM8, TRPV1, and TRPV4 were significantly decreased (P<0. 05). Conclusion: Short-term cold exposure can induce the hyperalgesia of the rats, and its mechanism may be associated with the changes in the expression of TRP ion channels in DRG and synovial tissues. TRPA1 sensory neurons play an important role in local joint cold pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aims of the current study were to investigate the presence of widespread pressure hyperalgesia, the presence of structural changes in the wrist extensor tendon and muscle, and their association in people with lateral epicondylalgia (LE). Methods Thirty-seven patients with LE (43% women; mean age = 45.5 [SD = 9.5] years) and 37 controls matched for age and sex and free of pain participated in this study. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were assessed bilaterally over the symptomatic area (elbow), 2 segment-related areas (C5–C6 joint, second intermetacarpal space), and 1 remote area (tibialis anterior) in a blinded design. Ultrasound measurements (eg, cross-sectional area, thickness, and width) of the common wrist extensor tendon and extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle as well as the thickness of the supinator muscle were assessed. Results Patients with LE exhibited lower PPTs bilaterally at all points and lower PPTs at the lateral epicondyle and second intermetacarpal space on the symptomatic side as compared to the nonsymptomatic side (η2 from 0.123–0.369; large effects). Patients exhibited higher cross-sectional area and width of the common wrist extensor tendon (η2 from 0.268–0.311; large effects) than controls bilaterally, whereas tendon thickness was also higher (η2 = 0.039; small effects) on the painful side than on the nonpainful side. Conclusions This study reported bilateral widespread pressure pain hyperalgesia and morphological changes in the tendon, but not the muscle, in LE. Pressure pain sensitivity and morphological changes were not associated in individuals with LE. Impact Management of LE should consider altered nociceptive pain processing and structural tendon changes as 2 different phenomena in patients with LE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the diagnosis of migraine, which is a neurovascular disease, gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are used to rule out more serious conditions. On the other hand, it remains unclear as a scientific gap whether GBCAs may trigger migraine-related pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of GBCAs on mechanical and thermal pain behaviour in a nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced migraine model in mice. NTG (10 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to adult (6–8 weeks old) BALB/c mice 2 h before behavioral tests 5 times every other day on days 1st, 3rd, 5th and 9th to induce migraine model (N = 50). As GBCAs, gadobenate dimeglumine (linear-ionic), Gadodiamide (linear-nonionic), and gadobutrol (macrocyclic-nonionic) were delivered intravenously through the tail vein of mice for 5 days on test days. Mechanical pain threshold (plantar and facial withdrawal threshold) was evaluated by plantar von Frey and periorbital von Frey tests on days 1st, 5th, and 9th, and thermal pain threshold (latency) was evaluated by hot plate and cold plate tests on days 3rd and 7th. There was a statistically significant increase in mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in NTG administered groups compared to the control group. Gadodiamide, gadobutrol and gadobenate dimeglumine administration significantly decreased latency, paw and facial withdrawal threshold (0.18 ± 0.05, 0.17 ± 0.07, 0.16 ± 0.09; 9th day values respectively) compared to NTG group (0.27 ± 0.05). The results of this in vivo study show that GBCAs produce effects that may trigger migraine attacks in migraine. It is recommended that these effects be further investigated and supported by further clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Experimental and clinical studies have shown the potential role of progesterone in relieving neural injury. In addition, emerging data on vitamin D, a steroid hormone, have shown its neuroprotective properties. This study was designed to evaluate the mutual effect of vitamin D and progesterone on neuropathic pain (NP) in male rats. Experimental approach: Chronic constriction injury (CCI) was induced by inserting four ligatures around the sciatic nerve. Hyperalgesia and allodynia (cold and mechanical) were considered positive behavioral scores of NP. After surgery, Sprague Dawley male rats (weighing 200-250 g) were assigned into 7 groups. Vitamin D (250 and 500 units/kg/day, i.p.) and progesterone (4 and 6 mg/kg/day, i.p.) were injected from the 1st day after CCI which continued for 21 days. Moreover, one group received the co-administration of vitamin D (500 units/kg/day, i.p.) and progesterone (6 mg/kg/day, i.p.) from the 1st day until the 21st post-CCI day. Behavioral tests were performed on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days. Findings/Results: Daily supplementation with vitamin D (250 and 500 units/kg) did not alter nociception. Progesterone (4 and 6 mg/kg/day) was ineffective on thermal hyperalgesia. In the allodynia test, progesterone significantly decreased pain-related behaviors. The co-administration of vitamin D (500 units/kg/day) with progesterone (6 mg/kg/day) significantly relieved thermal hyperalgesia. Finally, the combination significantly decreased cold and mechanical allodynia. Conclusion and implications: This study showed the mutual effect of progesterone and vitamin D on NP for the first time. Hyperalgesia and allodynia were significantly relieved following co-administration of vitamin D and progesterone.

Abstract Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) is a chronic pain resulting from a lesion in somatosensory pathways. Neuromodulation techniques, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) that target the primary motor cortex (M1), have shown promise for the treatment of CPSP. High-frequency (Hf) rTMS exhibits analgesic effects compared to low-frequency (Lf) rTMS; however, its analgesic mechanism is unknown. We aimed to elucidate the mechanism of rTMS-induced analgesia by evaluating alterations of tactile functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) due to Hf- and Lf-rTMS in a CPSP monkey model. Consistent with the patient findings, the monkeys showed an increase in pain threshold after Hf-rTMS, which indicated an analgesic effect. However, no change after Lf-rTMS was observed. Compared to Lf-rTMS, Hf-rTMS produced enhanced tactile-evoked fMRI signals not only in M1 but also in somatosensory processing regions, such as the primary somatosensory and midcingulate cortices. However, the secondary somatosensory cortex (S2) was less active after Hf-rTMS than after Lf-rTMS, suggesting that activation of this region was involved in CPSP. Previous studies showed pharmacological inhibition of S2 reduces CPSP-related behaviors, and the present results emphasize the involvement of an S2 inhibitory system in rTMS-induced analgesia. Verification using the monkey model is important to elucidate the inhibition system.

Abstract Introduction Sodium pentobarbital (SP), a short- to intermediate-acting barbiturate, has limited information in the existing literature. The objectives of this study are to describe (a) the effect of intravenous (IV) SP infusion on pain and sensory abnormalities, and (b) its utility in the diagnosis and management of patients with chronic pain. Methods A narrative review of barbiturate applications for chronic pain was followed by a pragmatic study of 176 consecutive patients admitted to an inpatient pain unit (2004–2009). We collected demographic information upon admission, diagnoses retrieved from chart review, and pain ratings and sensory abnormalities at baseline and after blinded infusion of normal saline (NS) followed by SP. Results The study group consisted of 83 men and 93 women (mean age 41 ± 11 years); the mean NS dose was 7.8 ± 2.3 (range 2–10 ml), the SP dose was 223.8 ± 88 mg (range 40–420), and the numeric rating scale (NRS) baseline pain score was 6.0 ± 2. The mean reduction in NRS reached both statistical and clinical significance in 150 responders to either NS/SP or SP only. Collectively, we found (a) an extremely high rate of response to IV SP irrespective of the underlying pathology, (b) greater response for pain than for sensory abnormalities (sensory gains or deficits), (c) greater response for sensory gain than for sensory deficit, and (d) greater response for allodynia than for pinprick hyperalgesia. Illustrative case reports are also presented. Discussion IV SP infusion is a diagnostic tool that assists in elucidating pain generators and the nature of sensory abnormalities (central vs. peripheral), with effects similar to those of IV sodium amytal. The test cannot be viewed as a tell-all diagnostic modality and must be used in conjunction with clinical judgment, investigations, and psychological reports.

Background: Chronic Gulf War Illness (GWI) is characterized by cognitive and mood impairments, as well as persistent neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Epidiolex®, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved cannabidiol (CBD), in improving brain function in a rat model of chronic GWI. Methods: Six months after exposure to low doses of GWI-related chemicals [pyridostigmine bromide, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), and permethrin (PER)] along with moderate stress, rats with chronic GWI were administered either vehicle (VEH) or CBD (20 mg/kg, oral) for 16 weeks. Neurobehavioral tests were conducted on 11 weeks after treatment initiation to evaluate the performance of rats in tasks related to associative recognition memory, object location memory, pattern separation, and sucrose preference. The effect of CBD on hyperalgesia was also examined. The brain tissues were processed for immunohistochemical and molecular studies following behavioral tests. Results: GWI rats treated with VEH exhibited impairments in all cognitive tasks and anhedonia, whereas CBD-treated GWI rats showed improvements in all cognitive tasks and no anhedonia. Additionally, CBD treatment alleviated hyperalgesia in GWI rats. Analysis of hippocampal tissues from VEH-treated rats revealed astrocyte hypertrophy and increased percentages of activated microglia presenting NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) complexes as well as elevated levels of proteins involved in NLRP3 inflammasome activation and Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of the transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling. Furthermore, there were increased concentrations of proinflammatory and oxidative stress markers along with decreased neurogenesis. In contrast, the hippocampus from CBD-treated GWI rats displayed reduced levels of proteins mediating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and JAK/STAT signaling, normalized concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers, and improved neurogenesis. Notably, CBD treatment did not alter the concentration of endogenous cannabinoid anandamide in the hippocampus. Conclusions: The use of an FDA-approved CBD (Epidiolex®) has been shown to effectively alleviate cognitive and mood impairments as well as hyperalgesia associated with chronic GWI. Importantly, the improvements observed in rats with chronic GWI in this study were attributed to the ability of CBD to significantly suppress signaling pathways that perpetuate chronic neuroinflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim to identify novel and improved drug candidates for the non‐opioid management of neuropathic pain, a few chiral fluorobenzenesulfonylamide derivatives of 1,4‐diazabicyclo[4.3.0]nonan‐9‐one, a rigid bicyclic analogue of piracetam, were prepared and characterized in animal models of chemotherapy‐induced neuropathic pain. The R‐enantiomers of these novel compounds are generally more potent than their corresponding S‐enantiomers. An oral dose of R‐2‐fluorophenyl derivative 8a is better tolerated when compared to the R‐3‐ fluorophenyl derivative 9a, (mouse Rota‐Rod test). Consequently, the enantiomeric 2‐fluorophenyl derivatives (8a and 8b) are thoroughly investigated in an enlarged panel of inflammatory and neuropathic pain models, including several models of chemotherapy‐induced neuropathic pain. The R‐enantiomer (8a) is consistently more potent in its anti‐hypersensitivity profile than the S‐enantiomer (8b). Surprisingly, the non‐racemic enantiomeric mixture consisting of a 2‐to‐1, or better still, a 3‐to‐1 mixture of the R‐enantiomer (8a) over the S‐enantiomer (8b) is more potent than the R‐enantiomer (8a) alone or than their racemic mixture. These results are reminiscent of our previous report on MP‐101, a non‐racemic mixture of dimiracetam enantiomers. Although further investigations will be required to rationalize these findings at the pharmacokinetic or molecular level, racetam derivatives appear to be promising candidates for the management of persistent pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphine is an important pain reliever employed in pain management, its extended utilize is hindered by the onset of analgesic tolerance and oxidative stress. Long-term morphine administration causes elevated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), disrupting mitochondrial function and inducing oxidation. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), a mitochondrial protein, is essential in modulating ROS levels by regulating mitochondrial antioxidant enzymes as manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD). Our investigation focused on the impact of SIRT3 on hyperalgesia and morphine tolerance in mice, as evaluating the antioxidant effect of the polyphenolic fraction of bergamot (BPF). Mice were administered morphine twice daily for four consecutive days (20 mg/kg). On the fifth day, mice received an acute dose of morphine (3 mg/kg), either alone or in conjunction with BPF or Mn (III)tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin (MnTBAP). We evaluated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitration, and the activity of SIRT3, MnSOD, glutamine synthetase (GS), and glutamate 1 transporter (GLT1) in the spinal cord. Our findings demonstrate that administering repeated doses of morphine led to the development of antinociceptive tolerance in mice, accompanied by increased superoxide production, nitration, and inactivation of mitochondrial SIRT3, MnSOD, GS, and GLT1. The combined administration of morphine with either BPF or MnTBAP prevented these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) is a crucial structure in the descending pain modulatory system, playing a key role as a relay for both the facilitation and inhibition of pain. The chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) model has been widely used to study stressinduced behavioral impairments associated with depression in rodents. Several studies suggest that CSDS also causes changes related to chronic pain. In this study, we aimed to investigate the involvement of the RVM in CSDS-induced behavioral impairments, including those associated with chronic pain. We used chemogenetics to activate or inhibit the RVM during stress. The results indicated that the RVM is a vital hub influencing stress outcomes. Rostral ventromedial medulla activation during CSDS ameliorates all the stress outcomes, including social avoidance, allodynia, hyperalgesia, anhedonia, and behavioral despair. In addition, RVM inhibition in animals exposed to a subthreshold social defeat stress protocol induces a susceptible phenotype, facilitating all stress outcomes. Finally, chronic RVM inhibition--without any social stress stimulus--induces chronic pain but not depressive-like behaviors. Our findings provide insights into the comorbidity between chronic pain and depression by indicating the involvement of the RVM in establishing social stress-induced behavioral responses associated with both chronic pain and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Central and peripheral sensitization are characterized by widespread hyperalgesia that is manifested by larger pain extent area and reduction in pressure pain threshold (PPT). PPT decreases in patients with migraine not only over the trigeminal cervical complex but also throughout the body. Methods: A cross-sectional study was adopted to assess the local and widespread hyperalgesia in chronic and episodic migraine patients respect to healthy controls. The guidelines of Andersen's were used to evaluate the PPT bilaterally over 3 muscles in the trigemino-cervical complex (temporalis, sub-occipitalis, trapezius) and over 1 muscle far from this area (tensor fasciae latae). Results: Thirty subjects with episodic migraine (35.8 ± 2.82 years), 30 with chronic migraine (53.03 ± 19.79 years), and 30 healthy controls (29.06 ± 14.03 years) were enrolled. The interaction effect was present for the trapezius muscle with a significant difference between the right and the left side in episodic group (p = 0.003). A group effect was highlighted in all four muscles analyzed such as suboccipital (p < 0.001), temporalis (p > 0.001), trapezius (p < 0.001), and TFL (p < 0.001). PPT was usually higher in the control group than in the episodic group which in turn was characterized by higher PPT values than the chronic group. Conclusions: People with chronic and episodic migraine presented lower PPT than healthy controls both in the trigeminal and in the extra-trigeminal area. People with chronic migraine presented lower PPT than episodic migraine only in the trigeminal area. Temporalis and sub-occipitalis are the most sensitive muscles in people with chronic and episodic migraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Irritability is a foundational clinical reasoning concept in rehabilitation to evaluate reactivity of the examination and treatment. While originally theorized to reflect tissue damage, a large body of evidence supports pain is a biopsychosocial experience impacted by pain sensitivity and psychological factors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine biopsychosocial contributors to irritability. Methods: 40 patients with shoulder (n = 20) and low back (n = 20) pain underwent Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) (Pressure Pain Threshold, Heat Pain Threshold, Conditioned Pain Modulation, Temporal Summation), completed pain-related psychological questionnaires, an Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia protocol, and standardized irritability assessment based on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Participants were then categorized as irritable or not irritable based on Maitland's criteria and by irritability level based on Clinical Practice Guidelines. An independent samples t-test examined for differences in QST and psychological factors by irritability category. A MANOVA examined for differences in QST and psychological factors by irritability level (high, moderate, low). Results: Significantly lower heat and pressure pain thresholds at multiple locations (p < 0.05), as well as less efficient conditioned pain modulation (p = 0.02), were demonstrated in individuals categorized as irritable. Heat and pressure pain thresholds were also significantly lower in patients with high irritability compared to other levels. Significantly higher depression and anger, as well as lower self-efficacy, were reported in individuals with an irritable presentation. Discussion/Conclusion: Biopsychosocial factors, including widespread hyperalgesia and elevated psychological factors, may contribute to an irritable presentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sodium pentobarbital (SP), a short- to intermediate-acting barbiturate, has limited information in the existing literature. The objectives of this study are to describe (a) the effect of intravenous (IV) SP infusion on pain and sensory abnormalities, and (b) its utility in the diagnosis and management of patients with chronic pain. Methods: A narrative review of barbiturate applications for chronic pain was followed by a pragmatic study of 176 consecutive patients admitted to an inpatient pain unit (2004–2009). We collected demographic information upon admission, diagnoses retrieved from chart review, and pain ratings and sensory abnormalities at baseline and after blinded infusion of normal saline (NS) followed by SP. Results: The study group consisted of 83 men and 93 women (mean age 41 ± 11 years); the mean NS dose was 7.8 ± 2.3 (range 2–10 ml), the SP dose was 223.8 ± 88 mg (range 40–420), and the numeric rating scale (NRS) baseline pain score was 6.0 ± 2. The mean reduction in NRS reached both statistical and clinical significance in 150 responders to either NS/SP or SP only. Collectively, we found (a) an extremely high rate of response to IV SP irrespective of the underlying pathology, (b) greater response for pain than for sensory abnormalities (sensory gains or deficits), (c) greater response for sensory gain than for sensory deficit, and (d) greater response for allodynia than for pinprick hyperalgesia. Illustrative case reports are also presented. Discussion: IV SP infusion is a diagnostic tool that assists in elucidating pain generators and the nature of sensory abnormalities (central vs. peripheral), with effects similar to those of IV sodium amytal. The test cannot be viewed as a tell-all diagnostic modality and must be used in conjunction with clinical judgment, investigations, and psychological reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic pain is common in our population, and most of these patients are inadequately treated, making the development of safer analgesics a high priority. Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a primary cause of chronic pain and disability worldwide, and lower extremity OA is a major contributor to loss of qualityadjusted life-years. In this study we tested the hypothesis that a novel JDNI8 replication-defective herpes simplex-1 viral vector (rdHSV) incorporating a modified carbonic anhydrase-8 transgene (CA8*) produces analgesia and treats monoiodoacetate-induced (MIA) chronic knee pain due to OA. We observed transduction of lumbar DRG sensory neurons with these viral constructs (vHCA8*) (~40% of advillin-positive cells and ~ 50% of TrkA-positive cells colocalized with V5-positive cells) using the intra-articular (IA) knee joint (KJ) route of administration. vHCA8* inhibited chronic mechanical OA knee pain induced by MIA was dose- and time-dependent. Mechanical thresholds returned to Baseline by D17 after IA KJ vHCA8* treatment, and exceeded Baseline (analgesia) through D65, whereas negative controls failed to reach Baseline responses. Weightbearing and automated voluntary wheel running were improved by vHCA8*, but not negative controls. Kv7 voltage-gated potassium channel-specific inhibitor XE-991 reversed vHCA8*-induced analgesia. Using IHC, IA KJ of vHCA8* activated DRG Kv7 channels via dephosphorylation, but negative controls failed to impact Kv7 channels. XE-991 stimulated Kv7.2-7.5 and Kv7.3 phosphorylation using western blotting of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells, which was inhibited by vHCA8* but not by negative controls. The observed prolonged dose-dependent therapeutic effects of IA KJ administration of vHCA8* on MIA-induced chronic KJ pain due to OA is consistent with the specific activation of Kv7 channels in small DRG sensory neurons. Together, these data demonstrate for the first-time local IA KJ administration of vHCA8* produces opioid-independent analgesia in this MIA-induced OA chronic pain model, supporting further therapeutic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) is a chronic pain resulting from a lesion in somatosensory pathways. Neuromodulation techniques, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) that target the primary motor cortex (M1), have shown promise for the treatment of CPSP. High-frequency (Hf) rTMS exhibits analgesic effects compared to low-frequency (Lf) rTMS; however, its analgesic mechanism is unknown. We aimed to elucidate the mechanism of rTMS-induced analgesia by evaluating alterations of tactile functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) due to Hf- and Lf-rTMS in a CPSP monkey model. Consistent with the patient findings, the monkeys showed an increase in pain threshold after Hf-rTMS, which indicated an analgesic effect. However, no change after Lf-rTMS was observed. Compared to Lf-rTMS, Hf-rTMS produced enhanced tactile-evoked fMRI signals not only in M1 but also in somatosensory processing regions, such as the primary somatosensory and midcingulate cortices. However, the secondary somatosensory cortex (S2) was less active after Hf-rTMS than after Lf-rTMS, suggesting that activation of this region was involved in CPSP. Previous studies showed pharmacological inhibition of S2 reduces CPSP-related behaviors, and the present results emphasize the involvement of an S2 inhibitory system in rTMS-induced analgesia. Verification using the monkey model is important to elucidate the inhibition system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is a nonspecific skin inflammation caused by irritants, leading to itch and pain. We tested whether differential responses to histamine-dependent and -independent pruritogens can be evoked in ICD induced by sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). An ICD mouse model was established with 5% SLS in acetone versus a vehicle topically applied for 24 h to the cheek. Site-directed itch- and pain-like behaviors, occurring spontaneously and in response to mechanical, thermal, and chemical stimuli (histamine, ß-alanine, BAM8-22, and bradykinin) applied to the cheek, were recorded before (day 0) and after irritant removal (days 1, 2, 3, and 4). Skin inflammation was assessed through visual scoring, ultrasound, and measurements of skin thickness. SLS-treated mice exhibited hyperalgesia-like behavior in response to mechanical and heat stimuli on day 1 compared to the controls. SLS mice exhibited more spontaneous wipes (pain) but not scratching bouts (itch) on day 1. Pruritogen injections caused more scratching but not wiping in SLS-treated mice compared to the controls. Only bradykinin increased wiping behavior compared to saline. SLS-treated mice developed noticeable erythema, scaling, and increased skin thickness on days 1 and 2. SLS induced cutaneous inflammation and behavioral signs of spontaneous pain and itching, hyperalgesia to mechanical and heat stimuli and a chemical algogen, and enhanced itch response to pruritogens. These sensory reactions preceded the inflammation peak and lasted up to two days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with vestibular migraine (VM) exhibit higher levels of central sensitization and share similar disorder characteristics with migraine with vestibular symptoms (MwVS), except in terms of disability. These patients experience fluctuating mechanical pain thresholds and persistent vestibular symptoms even without a migraine attack. Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether interictal allodynia or hyperalgesia can differentiate between VM, MwVS, and migraine only. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with episodic migraine aged between 18 and 65 years, categorized into three groups. A questionnaire was used to collect and compare demographic and clinical variables. Interictal widespread pressure hyperalgesia (IWPH) was evaluated using the Manual Tender Point Survey. Patients with tender point counts ≥7 were classified as having IWPH. Results: The study included 163 patients: 31 with VM, 54 with MwVS, and 78 with migraine without vestibular symptoms (migraine only). We found that aura (p = 0.042, odds ratio 3.50, 95% confidence interval 1.26-10.4), tender point count (p < 0.001, d = 0.889, median difference = 2), and IWPH (p = 0.002, odds ratio 5.3, 95% confidence interval 1.80-17.2) were significantly associated with VM compared to MwVS. Aura and IWPH were significantly associated with VM. However, there were no significant associations observed for interictal allodynia or hyperalgesia between the other two groups. Conclusion: IWPH and aura are associated with VM, indicating their potential roles in its pathogenesis. These findings may contribute to the differential diagnosis and management of migraine, potentially leading to targeted treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SLURP1 and SLURP2 are both small secreted members of the Ly6/u-PAR family of proteins and are highly expressed in keratinocytes. Loss-of-function mutations in SLURP1 lead to a rare autosomal recessive palmoplantar keratoderma (PPK), Mal de Meleda (MdM), which is characterized by diffuse, yellowish palmoplantar hyperkeratosis. Some individuals with MdM experience pain in conjunction with the hyperkeratosis that has been attributed to fissures or microbial superinfection within the affected skin. By comparison, other hereditary PPKs such as pachyonychia congenita and Olmsted syndrome show prevalent pain in PPK lesions. Two mouse models of MdM, Slurp1 knock-out and Slurp2X knock-out, exhibit robust PPK in all four paws. However, whether the sensory experience of these animals includes augmented pain sensitivity remains unexplored. In this study, we demonstrate that both models exhibit hypersensitivity to mechanical and thermal stimuli as well as spontaneous pain behaviors in males and females. Anatomical analysis revealed slightly reduced glabrous skin epidermal innervation and substantial alterations in palmoplantar skin immune composition in Slurp2X knock-out mice. Primary sensory neurons innervating hindpaw glabrous skin from Slurp2X knock-out mice exhibit increased incidence of spontaneous activity and mechanical hypersensitivity both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, Slurp knock-out mice exhibit polymodal PPK-associated pain that is associated with both immune alterations and neuronal hyperexcitability and might therefore be useful for the identification of therapeutic targets to treat PPK-associated pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nucleus raphe magnus (RMg) is a key structure of the endogenous antinociceptive system, the activity of which is regulated by serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. A recipient of the RMg descending projections is the caudal ventrolateral medulla (cVLM)—the first supraspinal center for processing visceral and somatic pain signals. Intestinal pathology is known to cause persistent functional alterations in the RMg, which are associated with the development of visceral and somatic hyperalgesia. Presumably, a consequence of the alterations may be changes in the RMg modulating effects on cVLM nociceptive activity. However, the specific neuronal and molecular mechanisms underlying such influence in normal conditions, as well as their changes in pathology remain unexplored. The aim of our neurophysiological experiments performed in anesthetized adult male Wistar rats was to compare the effects of RMg electrical stimulation on the activity of cVLM neurons evoked by visceral (colorectal distension, CRD) and somatic (tail squeezing) pain stimulations that occur in normal conditions and after intestinal inflammation (colitis), with an assessment of the contribution to these processes of the supraspinal 5-HT1A receptor activation with intracerebroventricular buspirone. It has been shown that RMg can exert an inhibitory effect on both non-selective and differential responses of the cVLM neurons to diverse pain stimuli, causing a weakening of excitatory neuronal reactions and an increase in inhibitory responses to CRD while inhibiting both types of reactions to tail squeezing. The RMg-evoked suppression of nociceptive excitation in the caudal medullary neurons is enhanced under activation of supraspinal 5-HT1A receptors by buspirone. It has been established that in postcolitis period the RMg inhibitory action on different populations of cVLM neurons are significantly diminished, indicating an impairment of the nucleus' antinociceptive function. In these conditions, the RMg descending influence loses its 5-HT1A receptor-dependent component. The changes described may contribute to the supraspinal mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of post-inflammatory abdominal pain and comorbid somatic hyperalgesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endogenous opioid antinociception is a self-regulatory mechanism that reduces chronic pain, but its underlying circuit mechanism remains largely unknown. Here, we showed that endogenous opioid antinociception required the activation of mu-opioid receptors (MORs) in GABAergic neurons of the central amygdala nucleus (CEA) in a persistent-hyperalgesia mouse model. Pharmacogenetic suppression of these CEAMOR neurons, which mimics the effect of MOR activation, alleviated the persistent hyperalgesia. Furthermore, single-neuron projection analysis revealed multiple projectome-based subtypes of CEAMOR neurons, each innervating distinct target brain regions. We found that the suppression of axon branches projecting to the parabrachial nucleus (PB) of one subtype of CEAMOR neurons alleviated persistent hyperalgesia, indicating a subtype- and axonal-branch-specific mechanism of action. Further electrophysiological analysis revealed that suppression of a distinct CEA-PB disinhibitory circuit controlled endogenous opioid antinociception. Thus, this study identified the central neural circuit that underlies endogenous opioid antinociception, providing new insight into the endogenous pain modulatory mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]