cp-99994 and Pain

We have previously demonstrated that parathyroid hormone 2 (PTH2) receptors are expressed in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and that its endogenous agonist tuberoinfundibular peptide of 39 residues (TIP39) causes nociceptive paw flexor responses after intraplantar administration. Here we found that the PTH2 receptor is selectively localized on myelinated A-, but not unmyelinated C-fibers using immunohistochemical labeling, based on PTH2 receptor expression on antibody N52-positive medium/large-sized DRG neurons, but not on TRPV1, substance P, P2X(3) receptor or isolectin B4-binding protein-positive small-sized DRG neurons. Pharmacological studies showed that TIP39-induced nociceptive responses were mediated by activation of G(s) and cAMP-dependent protein kinase. We also found that nociceptive responses induced by TIP39- or the cAMP analog 8-bromo-cAMP were significantly greater following partial sciatic nerve injury induced neuropathic pain, without changes in PTH2 receptor expression. Together these data suggest that activation of PTH2 receptors stimulates nociceptive A-fiber through G(s)-cAMP-dependent protein kinase signaling, and this pathway has elevated sensitization following nerve injury.

Topics: 8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Capsaicin; Disease Models, Animal; Dizocilpine Maleate; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors; Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; Ganglia, Spinal; Gene Expression Regulation; Glutamic Acid; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Nerve Fibers, Myelinated; Neurons; Neuropeptides; Pain; Pain Measurement; Piperidines; Receptor, Parathyroid Hormone, Type 2; Reflex; Sciatica; Signal Transduction; Time Factors; TRPV Cation Channels

Hemokinin-1 is a novel mammalian tachykinin cloned from mouse bone marrow. At present, pharmacological profile and physiological role of hemokinin-1 are still unclear. In the present study, we found that intrathecal (i.t.) administration of hemokinin-1 (0.00625-1.6 nmol) induced nociceptive responses consisting of scratching, biting and licking, which resemble substance P-induced behavioral responses in mice. The behaviors evoked by low-dose of hemokinin-1 (0.0125 nmol) were dose-dependently inhibited by i.t. co-administration of CP-99,994, a non-peptidic tachykinin NK(1) receptor antagonist, whereas high-dose of hemokinin-1 (0.1 nmol)-induced behaviors were not affected. Moreover, sendide, a peptidic tachykinin NK(1) receptor antagonist, failed to reduce the behavioral responses of both low- and high-dose of hemokinin-1. In contrast, substance P-induced behaviors were completely suppressed by both CP-99,994 and sendide. These results suggest that hemokinin-1 plays an important role in pain transmission at spinal cord. Moreover, the mechanism of hemokinin-1-induced nociceptive behaviors may be dose-dependent, and distinct from substance P-induced nociceptive behaviors.

Topics: Analgesics; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Injections, Spinal; Lumbar Vertebrae; Male; Mice; Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; Neurotransmitter Agents; Pain; Pain Measurement; Peptide Fragments; Piperidines; Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid; Receptors, Neurokinin-1; Spinal Nerves; Substance P; Synaptic Transmission; Tachykinins; Time Factors

Intrathecal (i.t.) injection of morphine-3-glucuronide (M3G), a major metabolite of morphine without analgesic actions, produces a severe hindlimb scratching followed by biting and licking in mice. The pain-related behavior evoked by M3G was inhibited dose-dependently by i.t. co-administration of tachykinin NK(1) receptor antagonists, sendide, [D-Phe(7), D-His(9)] substance P(6-11), CP-99994 or RP-67580 and i.t. pretreatment with antiserum against substance P. The competitive NMDA receptor antagonists, D-APV and CPP, the NMDA ion-channel blocker, MK-801 or the competitive antagonist of the polyamine recognition site of NMDA receptor ion-channel complex, ifenprodil, produced inhibitory effects on i.t. M3G-evoked nociceptive response. The NO-cGMP-PKG pathway, which involves the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), has been implicated as mediators of plasticity in several pain models. Here, we investigated whether M3G could influence the ERK activation in the NO-cGMP-PKG pathway. The i.t. injection of M3G evoked a definite activation of ERK in the lumbar dorsal spinal cord, which was prevented dose-dependently by U0126, a MAP kinase-ERK inhibitor. The selective nNOS inhibitor N(omega)-propyl-l-arginine, the selective iNOS inhibitor W1400, the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ and the PKG inhibitor KT-5823 inhibited dose-dependently the nociceptive response to i.t. M3G. In western blotting analysis, inhibiting M3G-induced nociceptive response using these inhibitors resulted in a significant blockade of ERK activation induced by M3G in the spinal cord. Taken together, these results suggest that activation of the spinal ERK signaling in the NO-cGMP-PKG pathway contributes to i.t. M3G-evoked nociceptive response.

Topics: Analgesics; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Butadienes; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Cyclic GMP; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Activation; Enzyme Inhibitors; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases; Injections, Spinal; Isoindoles; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Morphine Derivatives; Nitric Oxide; Nitriles; Nociceptors; Pain; Peptide Fragments; Piperidines; Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid; Receptors, Tachykinin; Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; Spinal Cord; Stereoisomerism; Substance P

We wanted to ascertain whether the lateral parabrachial nucleus was involved in mediating the heart-rate response evoked during stimulation of somatic nociceptors. Reversible inactivation of the lateral parabrachial nucleus, using a GABA(A) agonist, reduced the reflex tachycardia evoked during noxious (mechanical) stimulation of the forelimb by approximately 50%. The same effect was observed after blockade of neurokinin 1 receptors within the lateral parabrachial nucleus, indicating a possible involvement for substance P as a neurotransmitter. Immunocytochemistry revealed a strong expression of substance P-immunoreactive fibers and boutons in all lateral subnuclei, but they were particularly dense in the lateral crescent subnucleus. Histological verification showed that the most effective injection sites for attenuating the noxious-evoked tachycardia were all placed in or near to the lateral crescent nucleus of the lateral parabrachial complex. Many single units recorded from this region were activated by high-intensity brachial nerve stimulation. The brachial nerve evoked firing responses of some of these neurons was reversibly reduced after local delivery of a neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist. However, only a minority of these neurons followed a paired-pulse stimulation protocol applied to the spinal cord, suggesting a predominance of indirect projections from the spinal cord to the parabrachial nucleus. We conclude that the cardiac component of the response to somatic nociception involves indirect spinal pathways that most likely excite neurons located in the lateral crescent nucleus of the parabrachial complex via activation of neurokinin 1 receptors.

Topics: Afferent Pathways; Animals; Brachial Plexus; Decerebrate State; Efferent Pathways; Female; GABA Agonists; GABA-A Receptor Agonists; Heart Rate; Hypertension; Isonicotinic Acids; Male; Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; Nociceptors; Pain; Piperidines; Pons; Posterior Horn Cells; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, Neurokinin-1; Reflex; Spinal Cord; Substance P; Sympathetic Nervous System; Tachycardia

Peripheral nerve injury in humans can produce a persistent pain state characterized by spontaneous pain and painful responses to normally innocuous stimuli (allodynia). Here we attempt to identify some of the neurophysiological and neurochemical mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain using an animal model of peripheral neuropathy induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by placing a 2-mm polyethylene cuff around the left sciatic nerve according to the method of Mosconi and Kruger. von Frey hair testing confirmed tactile allodynia in all cuff-implanted rats before electrophysiological testing. Rats were anesthetized and spinalized for extracellular recording from single spinal wide dynamic range neurons (L(3-4)). In neuropathic rats (days 11-14 and 42-52 after cuff implantation), ongoing discharge was greater and hind paw receptive field size was expanded compared to control rats. Activation of low-threshold sensory afferents by innocuous mechanical stimulation (0.2 N for 3 s) in the hind paw receptive field evoked the typical brief excitation in control rats. However, in neuropathic rats, innocuous stimulation also induced a nociceptive-like afterdischarge that persisted 2-3 min. This afterdischarge was never observed in control rats, and, in this model, is the distinguishing feature of the spinal neural correlate of tactile allodynia. Electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve at 4 and at 20 Hz each produced an initial discharge that was identical in control and in neuropathic rats. This stimulation also produced an afterdischarge that was similar at the two frequencies in control rats. However, in neuropathic rats, the afterdischarge produced by 20-Hz stimulation was greater than that produced by 4-Hz stimulation. Given that acutely spinalized rats were studied, only peripheral and/or spinal mechanisms can account for the data obtained; as synaptic responses from C fibers begin to fail above approximately 5-Hz stimulation [Pain 46 (1991) 327], the afterdischarge in response to 20-Hz stimulation suggests a change mainly in myelinated afferents and a predominant role of these fibers in eliciting this afterdischarge. These data are consistent with the suggestion that peripheral neuropathy induces phenotypic changes predominantly in myelinated afferents, the sensory neurons that normally respond to mechanical stimulation. The NK-1 receptor antagonist, CP-99,994 (0.5 mg/kg, i.v.), depressed the innocuous pressure-evoked afterdischarge but not the brief initial d

Topics: Afferent Pathways; Animals; Constriction; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Electrophysiology; Evoked Potentials; Functional Laterality; Hindlimb; Male; Nerve Fibers, Myelinated; Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; Pain; Pain Measurement; Pain Threshold; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Physical Stimulation; Piperidines; Posterior Horn Cells; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, Neurokinin-1; Sciatic Nerve; Spinal Cord; Time Factors

Somatic noxious stimulation can evoke profound cardiovascular responses by altering activity in the autonomic nervous system. This noxious stimulation attenuates the cardiac vagal baroreflex, a key cardiovascular homeostatic reflex. This attenuation is mediated via NK1 receptors expressed on GABAergic interneurones within the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). We have investigated the effect of noxious stimulation and exogenous substance P (SP) on the sympathetic component of the baroreflex. We recorded from the sympathetic chain in a decerebrate, artificially perfused rat preparation. Noxious hindlimb pinch was without effect on the sympathetic baroreflex although the cardiac vagal baroreflex gain was decreased (56 %, P < 0.01). Bilateral NTS microinjection of SP (500 fmol) produced a similar selective attenuation of the cardiac vagal baroreflex gain (62 %, P < 0.005) without effect on the sympathetic baroreflex. Recordings from the cardiac sympathetic and vagal nerves confirmed the selectivity of the SP inhibition. Control experiments using a GABAA receptor agonist, isoguvacine, indicated that both components of the baroreflex (parasympathetic and sympathetic) could be blocked from the NTS injection site. The NTS microinjection of a NK1 antagonist (CP-99,994) in vivo attenuated the tachycardic response to hindlimb pinch. Our data suggest that noxious pinch releases SP within the NTS to selectively attenuate the cardiac vagal, but not the sympathetic, component of the baroreflex. This selective withdrawal of the cardiac vagal baroreflex seems to underlie the pinch-evoked tachycardia seen in vivo. Further, these findings confirm that baroreflex sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways diverge, and can be independently controlled, within the NTS.

Topics: Animals; Baroreflex; GABA Agonists; Heart; Hindlimb; Isonicotinic Acids; Male; Microinjections; Nociceptors; Pain; Parasympathetic Nervous System; Physical Stimulation; Piperidines; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Receptors, Neurokinin-1; Solitary Nucleus; Substance P; Sympathetic Nervous System; Tachycardia; Vagus Nerve

There is limited information regarding the integration of visceral and somatic afferents within the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). We studied the interaction of nociceptive and baroreceptive inputs in this nucleus in an in situ arterially perfused, un-anaesthetized decerebrate preparation of rat. At the systemic level, the gain of the cardiac component of the baroreceptor reflex was attenuated significantly by noxious mechanical stimulation of a forepaw. This baroreceptor reflex depression was mimicked by NTS microinjection of substance P and antagonized by microinjection of either bicuculline (a GABAA receptor antagonist) or a neurokinin type 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist (CP-99994). The substance P effect was also blocked by a bilateral microinjection of bicuculline, at a dose that was without effect on basal baroreceptor reflex gain. Baroreceptive NTS neurons were defined by their excitatory response following increases in pressure within the ipsilateral carotid sinus. In 27 of 34 neurons the number of evoked spikes from baroreceptor stimulation was reduced significantly by concomitant electrical stimulation of the brachial nerve (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the attenuation of baroreceptor inputs to NTS neurons by brachial nerve stimulation was prevented by pressure-ejection of bicuculline from a multi-barrelled microelectrode (n = 8). In a separate population of 17 of 45 cells tested, brachial nerve stimulation evoked an excitatory response that was antagonized by blockade of NK1 receptors. We conclude that nociceptive afferents activate NK1 receptors, which in turn excite GABAergic interneurons impinging on cells mediating the cardiac component of the baroreceptor reflex.

Topics: Animals; Baroreflex; Bicuculline; Electrophysiology; GABA Antagonists; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; Microinjections; Neural Inhibition; Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; Nociceptors; Pain; Pain Measurement; Piperidines; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, GABA-A; Receptors, Neurokinin-1; Solitary Nucleus; Substance P

The present study examines the effect of combinations of gabapentin (Neurontin) and a selective neurokinin (NK)(1) receptor antagonist, 1-(1H-indol-3-ylmethyl)-1-methyl-2-oxo-2-[(1-phenylethyl)amino]ethyl]-2-benzofuranylmethyl ester (CI-1021), in two models of neuropathic pain. Dose responses to both gabapentin and CI-1021 were performed against static allodynia induced in the streptozocin and chronic constriction injury (CCI) models. Theoretical additive lines were calculated from these data. Dose responses to various fixed dose ratios of a gabapentin/CI-1021 combination were then examined in both models. In the streptozocin model, administration of gabapentin/CI-1021 combinations at fixed dose ratios of 1:1 and 60:1 resulted in an additive effect with dose response similar to the theoretical additive line. However, a synergistic interaction was seen after fixed dose ratios of 10:1, 20:1, and 40:1 with static allodynia completely blocked and the dose responses shifted approximately 8-, 30-, and 10-fold leftward, respectively, from the theoretical additive values. In the CCI model, after fixed dose ratios of 5:1 and 20:1, combinations of gabapentin and CI-1021 produced an additive response. At the fixed dose ratio of 10:1 static allodynia was completely blocked with an approximate 10-fold leftward shift of the dose response from the theoretical additive value, indicating synergy. The combination of gabapentin with a structurally unrelated NK(1) receptor antagonist, (2S,3S)-3-(2-methoxybenzylamino)-2-phenylpiperidine (CP-99,994), also produced synergy, at a fixed dose ratio of 20:1. This ratio completely blocked streptozocin-induced static allodynia and was approximately shifted leftward 5-fold from the theoretical additive value. These data suggest a synergistic interaction between gabapentin and NK(1) receptor antagonists in animal models of neuropathic pain.

Topics: Acetates; Amines; Animals; Benzofurans; Carbamates; Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Synergism; Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; Gabapentin; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; Male; Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; Pain; Pain Measurement; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Piperidines; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder mainly characterized by altered bowel habits and visceral pain. In this study, we investigated the role of tachykinin NK1 receptors in the visceral pain response (abdominal muscle contraction) caused by colorectal distention in rabbits previously subjected to colonic irritation, using the selective tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonists TAK-637 [(aR,9R)-7-[3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]-8,9,10,11-tetrahydro-9-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-7H-[1,4] diazocino[2,1-g][1,7]naphthyridine-6,13-dione] and (+/-)-CP-99,994 (+/-)-(2S,3S)-3-(2-methoxybenzylamino)-2-phenylpiperidine. Intracolorectal administration of 0.8% acetic acid solution enhanced the nociceptive response to colorectal distention, producing a significant increase in the number of abdominal muscle contractions. Under these conditions, intraduodenal TAK-637 (0.1-3 mg/kg) dose dependently decreased the number of distention-induced abdominal contractions, and a significant inhibitory effect was observed with doses of 0.3 to 3 mg/kg. Another tachykinin NK1 antagonist, (+/-)-CP-99,994, also reduced the number of abdominal contractions. In contrast, the enantiomer of TAK-637 (which has very weak tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonistic activity), trimebutine maleate, ondansetron, and atropine sulfate did not inhibit the abdominal response. The main metabolite of TAK-637, which has more potent tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonistic activity but permeates the central nervous system less well than TAK-637, produced less inhibition of the viscerosensory response. When given intrathecally, TAK-637 and (+/-)-CP-99,994 markedly reduced the number of abdominal contractions. These results suggest that tachykinin NK1 receptors play an important role in mediating visceral pain and that TAK-637 inhibits the viscerosensory response to colorectal distention by antagonizing tachykinin NK1 receptors, mainly in the spinal cord. They also suggest that TAK-637 may be useful in treating functional bowel disorders such as IBS.

Topics: Acetates; Animals; Catheterization; Central Nervous System; Colon; Irritants; Male; Naphthyridines; Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; Pain; Peripheral Nervous System; Physical Stimulation; Piperidines; Rabbits; Rectum; Sensation

New strategies have recently been developed where infusion of neurotrophic factors into the brain can rescue different neuronal populations. However, negative side effects have been observed in clinical trials infusing nerve growth factor (NGF) into the lateral ventricle in man, namely pain. Little is known about pain behavior in animals after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) neurotrophic injections. Thus, we have examined the effects of i.c.v. infusion of NGF for 2 weeks on the behavioral response of rats to mechanical, cold and heat stimulation. Seven micrograms/day of NGF elicited a significant decrease in vocalization threshold to mechanical stimulation and a significantly increased response to cold and heat stimuli as compared with control. The concentration of NGF in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was significantly increased as compared with non-allodynic rats. The enhanced responses to mechanical and heat, but not to cold, stimulation were significantly reduced by CP-99994, a selective antagonist to tachykinin NK-1 receptors. When NGF was infused into the brain parenchyma (striatum, cortex and septum) no allodynic nor hyperalgesic responses could be detected. These results indicate that in rats i.c.v. but not intraparenchymal infusion of NGF induce mechanical and cold allodynia as well as heat hyperalgesia, which is mediated, at least in part, by activation of NK-1 receptors.

Topics: Animals; Behavior, Animal; Brain; Cold Temperature; Hot Temperature; Hyperesthesia; Injections, Intraventricular; Male; Nerve Growth Factor; Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; Pain; Pain Threshold; Physical Stimulation; Piperidines; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Reference Values; Vocalization, Animal

We found that spinorphin, a novel neuropeptide showed analgesia in a different manner compared with morphine. By measuring flexor responses induced by the intraplanter injection of substances, the presence of three different types of sensory neurons were demonstrated. Although spinorphin completely blocked 2-metylthioadenosine (2-MeS ATP, a P2X(3) agonist)-induced responses, morphine did not. On the other hand, morphine-induced blockade of bradykinin (BK, a B(2)-receptor agonist)-responses was attenuated by pertussis toxin (PTX) treatment, whereas that of spinorphin was not. Thus it is suggested that spinorphin has a spectrum of analgesia which covers the blockade of nociception insensitive to morphine.

Topics: 6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione; Adenosine; Analgesics, Opioid; Animals; Animals, Newborn; Bradykinin; Capsaicin; Dizocilpine Maleate; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists; Male; Mice; Morphine; Neurons, Afferent; Neuroprotective Agents; Oligopeptides; Pain; Pertussis Toxin; Piperidines; Protease Inhibitors; Purinergic Agonists; Thionucleosides; Time Factors; Virulence Factors, Bordetella

Topics: Animals; Aprepitant; Clinical Trials as Topic; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Morpholines; Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; Pain; Piperidines; Stereoisomerism

The intraplantar injection of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) at doses of 0.1-100 pmol into the hind limb of mice showed dose-dependent nociceptive flexor responses. Repeated challenges of LPA at 100 pmol every 5 min showed constant responses at least for 30 min. The prior application of pertussis toxin (PTX) at a dose of 10 ng markedly reduced the following LPA (100 pmol) actions. In addition, the intraplantar application of CP-99994 (1 pmol), a substance P (NK1) receptor antagonist, but not CP-100263 (1 pmol), an inactive derivative, also markedly reduced the LPA responses. These findings suggest that LPA has a nociception-producing activity on sensory neurons through G(i/o) activation and substance P release from nociceptor endings.

Topics: Animals; Hindlimb; Lysophospholipids; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred Strains; Nerve Endings; Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; Pain; Peripheral Nerves; Pertussis Toxin; Piperidines; Stereoisomerism; Substance P; Time Factors; Virulence Factors, Bordetella

Distension of the rat intestine causes a cardiovascular response which is indicative of nociception. Since tachykinins are involved in nociception, we tested the effect of neurokinin receptor antagonists against the distension-induced response. The jejunal distension-induced depressor responses were inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion by CP 99,994 (+)-(2S,3S)-3-(2-methoxybenzylamino)-2-phenylpiperidine, tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist, ED50 = 0.8 mg/kg) and SR 48968 (S)-N-methyl-N[4-(4-acetylamino-4-phenylpiperidino)-2-(3,4-dichloropheny l)butyl]benzamide, tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist, ED50 = 0.7 mg/kg). SR 142801 (S)-(N)-(1-(3-(1-benzoyl-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)piperidin-3-yl)prop yl)-4-phenylpiperidin-4-yl)-N-methylacetamide, tachykinin NK3 receptor antagonist, 0.3-10 mg/kg) did not significantly affect the depressor responses to jejunal distension. In addition, CP 99,994 (3 mg/kg) and SR 48968 (3 and 10 mg/kg) reduced sensitivity to distension as revealed by a 2.7-fold (CP 99.994, 3 mg/kg), 2.6-fold (SR 48968, 3 mg/kg) and 4.7-fold (SR 48968, 10 mg/kg) increase in the threshold pressure. Intestinal compliance was not affected by the antagonists. In conclusion, these results suggest that tachykinin NK1 and NK2 but not NK3 receptors are possibly involved in the rat jejunal distension pain response.

Topics: Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Animals; Benzamides; Blood Pressure; Jejunum; Male; Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; Pain; Piperidines; Pressure; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Receptors, Neurokinin-2; Receptors, Neurokinin-3; Receptors, Tachykinin; Regression Analysis