Aldosterone Synthase in Peripheral Sensory Neurons Contributes to Mechanical Hypersensitivity during Local Inflammation in Rats

Background Recent emerging evidence suggests that extra-adrenal synthesis of aldosterone occurs (e.g., within the failing heart and in certain brain areas). In this study, the authors investigated evidence for a local endogenous aldosterone production through its key processing enzyme aldosterone synthase within peripheral nociceptive neurons. Methods In male Wistar rats (n = 5 to 8 per group) with Freund’s complete adjuvant hind paw inflammation, the authors examined aldosterone, aldosterone synthase, and mineralocorticoid receptor expression in peripheral sensory neurons using quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunoprecipitation. Moreover, the authors explored the nociceptive behavioral changes after selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, canrenoate-K, or specific aldosterone synthase inhibitor application. Results In rats with Freund’s complete adjuvant–induced hind paw inflammation subcutaneous and intrathecal application of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, canrenoate-K, rapidly and dose-dependently attenuated nociceptive behavior (94 and 48% reduction in mean paw pressure thresholds, respectively), suggesting a tonic activation of neuronal mineralocorticoid receptors by an endogenous ligand. Indeed, aldosterone immunoreactivity was abundant in peptidergic nociceptive neurons of dorsal root ganglia and colocalized predominantly with its processing enzyme aldosterone synthase and mineralocorticoid receptors. Moreover, aldosterone and its synthesizing enzyme were significantly upregulated in peripheral sensory neurons under inflammatory conditions. The membrane mineralocorticoid receptor consistently coimmunoprecipitated with endogenous aldosterone, confirming a functional link between mineralocorticoid receptors and its endogenous ligand. Importantly, inhibition of endogenous aldosterone production in peripheral sensory neurons by a specific aldosterone synthase inhibitor attenuated nociceptive behavior after hind paw inflammation (a 32% reduction in paw pressure thresholds; inflammation, 47 ± 2 [mean ± SD] vs. inflammation + aldosterone synthase inhibitor, 62 ± 2). Conclusions Local production of aldosterone by its processing enzyme aldosterone synthase within peripheral sensory neurons contributes to ongoing mechanical hypersensitivity during local inflammation via intrinsic activation of neuronal mineralocorticoid receptors. Editor’s Perspective What We Already Know about This Topic What This Article Tells Us That Is New