Spinal CCK contributes to somatic hyperalgesia induced by orofacial inflammation combined with stress in adult female rats.

In some chronic primary pain conditions such as temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), mild or chronic stress enhances pain. TMD and FMS often occur together, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of cholecystokinin (CCK) in the spinal cord in somatic hyperalgesia induced by orofacial inflammation combined with stress. Somatic hyperalgesia was detected by the thermal withdrawal latency and mechanical withdrawal threshold. The expression of CCK ₁ receptors, CCK ₂ receptors, ERK1/2 and p-ERK1/2 in the spinal cord was examined by Western blot. After the stimulation of orofacial inflammation combined with 3 day forced swim, the expression of CCK ₂ receptors and p-ERK1/2 protein in the L4-L5 spinal dorsal horn increased significantly, while the expression of CCK ₁ receptors and ERK1/2 protein remained unchanged. Intrathecal injection of the CCK ₂ receptor antagonist YM-022 or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD98059 blocked somatic hyperalgesia induced by orofacial inflammation combined with stress. Intrathecal administration of the MEK inhibitor blocked somatic sensitization caused by the CCK receptor agonist CCK8. The CCK ₂ receptor antagonist YM-022 significantly reduced the expression of p-ERK1/2. These data indicate that upregulation of CCK ₂ receptors through the MAPK pathway contributes to somatic hyperalgesia in this comorbid pain model. Thus, CCK ₂ receptors and MAPK pathway may be potential targets for the treatment of TMD comorbid with FMS.
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