糖尿病大鼠膀胱和骶髓背根神经节中NGF的表达与尿流动力学改变的研究

目的：探讨糖尿病大鼠膀胱与骶髓背根神经节（DRG）中神经生长因子（NGF）的表达与尿流动力学改变。方法：建立糖尿病大鼠模型10只,对照组10只,应用酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）法,分别检测大鼠膀胱组织及骶髓DRG中NGF的变化情况,结合代谢笼及尿流动力学改变,探讨糖尿病膀胱病变的可能发病机制。结果：造模12周后,糖尿病大鼠膀胱容量较正常对照组明显增大（1.47±0.28vs0.71±0.12,p〈0.05）,残余尿量明显增多（0.52±0.18vs0.07±0.08,p〈0.01）,排尿效率明显下降,膀胱及骶髓DRG中NGF表达水平明显降低。结论：NGF在糖尿病大鼠膀胱和骶髓背根神经节中低表达,在糖尿病膀胱病变中发挥着重要作用。     

神经生长因子受体Trka在糖尿病大鼠膀胱和腰骶背根神经节的表达

目的研究糖尿病大鼠膀胱组织及背根神经节中神经生长因子受体Trka的表达变化及意义。方法建立糖尿病大鼠模型20只,以15只正常大鼠为对照,应用免疫组化方法,分别检测大鼠膀胱组织及背根神经节中Trka的表达情况。结果无论是在膀胱组织还是在背根神经节中,糖尿病组Trka的表达均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）。结论神经生长因子受体Trka的表达降低与糖尿病膀胱病变的发生有关。     

肝细胞生长因子在正常大鼠腰段脊髓和背根神经节的表达

目的:观察肝细胞生长因子(hepatocyte growth factor,HGF)在大鼠脊髓和背根神经节(dorsal root ganglion,DRG)的表达。方法:取健康成年6只SD大鼠运用免疫组织化学染色技术检测HGF在腰段脊髓、背根神经节内的表达和分布。结果:在L4-6段脊髓,HGF免疫阳性产物可见于各板层神经元,尤以脊髓前角运动神经元明显;在DRG中,HGF免疫阳性物质可见于以大、中型为主的神经元的胞浆及突起中。结论:脊髓和背根神经节内的HGF通过与受体c-Met结合可能在神经再生及突触可塑性方面起一定作用。     

髓核突出模型大鼠背根神经节中Wnt5a的表达

目的:观察Wnt5a在大鼠髓核突出模型的表达变化,探索Wnt5a在神经根病中的作用。方法:将80只成年雄性大鼠随机分为假手术组(Sham组,n=20)、髓核突出组(NP组,n=20)、髓核突出+生理盐水组(NP+Saline组,n=20)、髓核突出+益赛普组(NP+Etanercept组,n=20)。从大鼠尾椎椎间盘中取髓核,将髓核种植于L5背根神经节旁,制作髓核突出大鼠模型。采用免疫组织化学法分别检测各组大鼠背根神经节中的Wnt5a蛋白的表达,利用RT-PCR的方法分别检测各组大鼠背根神经节中Wnt5a m RNA的表达。结果:免疫组化结果显示,各组大鼠背根神经节的大中小神经元均有Wnt5a的表达,NP组较Sham组在3天、7天时Wnt5a表达量均增加(P0.01),3天和7天时NP+Etanercept组大鼠背根神经节中Wnt5a的表达量较NP+Saline组均减少(P0.01)。RT-PCR的结果与免疫组化的结果相符,表现为NP组较Sham组在3天、7天时Wnt5a mRNA的相对表达量增加(P0.01),NP+Etanercept组大鼠背根神经节中Wnt5a的相对表达量较NP+Saline组均减少(P0.01)。结论:髓核突出并压迫背根神节时,可引起背根神经节Wnt5a的表达增加,且阻断肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)时,背根神经节的Wnt5a表达减少。     

大鼠坐骨神经切断后谷氨酰胺合成酶在DRG内的表达变化

目的:观察坐骨神经切断后不同时间点背根神经节(DRG)内谷氨酰胺转化酶(GS)的表达变化。方法:48只SD大鼠随机分为实验组和正常对照组,其中实验组左侧为对照侧,右侧行坐骨神经切断。实验组大鼠分别存活1、3、7、14或21天。免疫组化方法检测DRG中GS的表达。结果:正常组DRG内GS主要表达于卫星细胞。坐骨神经切断1天后GS表达增加,明显高于正常组(P<0.05),3天时GS表达下降,7d时恢复正常。14天、21天时GS表达继续下降,明显低于正常组(P<0.05)。实验组手术侧和对照侧GS表达无显著性差异(P>0.05)。结论:坐骨神经切断后DRG内GS表达存在时空变化,这可能与坐骨神经切断后DRG内谷氨酸介导的兴奋性毒性有关。     

坐骨神经结扎后大鼠背根神经节和脊髓CGRP表达的变化

目的研究大鼠坐骨神经结扎后降钙素基因相关肽(calcitoningene-relatedpeptide,CGRP)表达变化。方法SD大鼠随机分为假手术对照组和坐骨神经结扎组,实验组结扎后分别存活1、3、5、7、14、21和28d(n=8),免疫荧光(双标法)和免疫组织化学(SABC法)观察术后不同时间点CGRP和NGF在坐骨神经、背根神经节(dorsalrootganglion,DRG)和脊髓的表达变化,Westernblot结合图像分析技术对不同时间的变化进行定量测定。结果术后1d结扎远端坐骨神经内NGF大量堆积,持续到28d仍高于正常。结扎后7dDRG内CGRP阳性细胞百分率减少,持续到28d仍低于正常;结扎后14d脊髓后角CGRP下降,28d仍低于正常,各时间点脊髓前角CGRP表达未见明显变化。结论神经结扎可导致DRG和脊髓后角的CGRP表达下调,可能与靶源性的NGF来源减少有关。     

2-溴棕榈酸调节背根神经节中ASIC3蛋白的膜定位缓解大鼠骨癌痛（英文）

骨癌痛(BCP)是恶性肿瘤患者最常见的疼痛之一,严重影响患者的生活质量。BCP的分子作用机制和新药研发都迫在眉睫。2-溴棕榈酸(2-BP)作为一种蛋白质棕榈化抑制剂在病理性疼痛中有镇痛效果,而在骨癌痛中作用仍不清楚。酸敏感离子通道3型(ASIC3),作为一个重要的疼痛因子能否受到2-BP的调控也未知。为了检测2-BP在骨癌痛中的作用,并研究其对背根神经节(DRG)中ASIC3的调控,本文开展了相关工作。1)首先建立BCP大鼠模型,将大鼠乳腺癌细胞(MRMT-1)注射入雌大鼠胫骨骨髓腔内,21 d后通过X射线和机械痛检测,发现与假性手术组相比,BCP模型大鼠的胫骨被破坏;同时,BCP组大鼠的机械疼痛值明显上升(假性手术组PWT vs.BCP PWT:16.1±1.5 vs.5.3±1.5;P0.01);表明大鼠乳腺癌骨转移疼痛模型成功构建。2)蛋白质免疫印迹检测结果显示,与正常和假性手术组相比,BCP大鼠L4-L6 DRG中酸敏感离子通道3蛋白表达上调(0.63±0.03,0.64±0.1和1.07±0.05)。3)在术后第21 d,给BCP大鼠腹腔注射2-BP,发现给药组BCP大鼠的机械疼痛值下调(6 h后,PWT对照vs.PWT 2-BP:6.9±2.0 vs.10.8±1.6,P0.01),表明2-BP在骨癌痛模型大鼠中具有镇痛作用。4)蛋白质免疫印迹结果显示,与给药前相比,2-BP处理后降低了BCP大鼠L4-L6 DRG中膜上ASIC3蛋白的表达(1.05±0.13,0.66±0.12)。同时,在ASIC3介导的酸痛模型中,2-BP给药降低大鼠震颤的次数(对照组为27±1.8次,2-BP组为10±1.5次),表明2-BP给药阻断ASIC3介导的酸痛。5)在ASIC3转染的SH-SY5Y细胞中,与对照相比,2-BP给药后明显降低膜上ASIC3蛋白表达量(1.0±0.2,0.58±0.10)。这些结果表明,2-BP在骨癌痛中具有镇痛作用,其镇痛机制涉及到调控背根神经节中膜上酸敏感离子通道3的表达。     

胰岛素对糖尿病大鼠下颌下腺内NGF及VEGF表达的影响

目的观察神经生长因子(NGF)及血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)在糖尿病大鼠下颌下腺内表达变化,探讨胰岛素对其表达影响及可能机制。方法 SD大鼠30只,随机分为:对照组、糖尿病组、胰岛素治疗组。大鼠2个月成模后,取血检测血糖;取下颌下腺组织,分别进行HE染色、免疫组织化学染色和计算机图像分析。结果①对照组血糖与糖尿病组比较差异有统计学意义;胰岛素治疗组血糖与糖尿病组比较差异有统计学意义。②糖尿病组腺泡轻度萎缩,排列不规则,颗粒曲管数目减少,直径变小;胰岛素治疗组较对照组变化不明显。③与对照组相比较,糖尿病组NGF表达下调,VEGF表达上调。与糖尿病组相比较,胰岛素治疗组NGF表达上调,VEGF表达下调。结论糖尿病大鼠下颌下腺内NGF表达减少、VEGF表达增高,可能是糖尿病患者神经病变与血管病变的重要原因之一;胰岛素治疗可能与NGF和VEGF的表达改变有内在联系。     

福尔马林致痛对大鼠脊髓和背根神经节的P2X3的影响

目的:探索福尔马林致痛后大鼠脊髓和背根神经节(dorsal root ganglion,DRG)的P2X3表达变化。方法:选取健康成年正常SD大鼠25只,分正常对照组和实验组;实验组为右侧足底皮下给予0.1ml 5%福尔马林,分别观察15min、30min、1h、3h后处死,采用免疫组织化学方法及图像分析技术检测脊髓腰段及L4～6背根节P2X3的表达情况。结果:与正常对照组相比,实验15min、30min、1h组脊髓后角Ⅱ层P2X3表达未见变化,实验3h组可见P2X3表达升高,但未见明显差异;实验15min、30min组DRG神经元P2X3表达未见变化,1h组开始表达上调,3h组表达明显升高,与各组相比有显著性差异。结论:福尔马林致痛能引起脊髓和背根神经节P2X3的表达上调,可能是其产生伤害性作用的机制之一。     

天麻素通过下调Nav1.6通道表达缓解糖尿病神经病理性疼痛的研究

目的:探究天麻素对Ⅱ型糖尿病神经病理性痛的镇痛作用以及天麻素对背根神经节Nav1.6通道的表达调控作用。方法:将60只雄性SD大鼠随机分为空白对照组、糖尿病组和天麻素处理组(10 mg·kg^-1·d^-1)。通过高脂饮食喂养4周,低剂量腹腔注射STZ(30 mg·kg^-1)的方法构建Ⅱ型糖尿病神经病理性痛大鼠模型,利用痛行为学检测观察各组大鼠的机械刺激足缩反应阈值变化,采用免疫荧光组织化学及Western blot方法观察各组大鼠背根神经节上Nav1.6通道的表达变化。结果:与空白对照组相比,糖尿病模型大鼠出现显著的机械刺激疼痛阈值下降(P<0.05),且模型组大鼠背根神经节神经元上的Nav1.6通道表达上调(P<0.05)。与糖尿病组相比,连续腹腔注射天麻素3天、7天、14天后,模型动物的疼痛明显缓解(P<0.05),另外天麻素可以翻转背根神经节上Nav1.6通道的高表达(P<0.05)。结论:天麻素可能通过降低Nav1.6通道的表达来缓解Ⅱ型糖尿病神经病理性疼痛,从而为天麻素缓解糖尿病神经病理性疼痛提供新的理论依据。     

Activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 5 is essential for cystitis- and nerve growth factor-induced calcitonin gene-related peptide expression in sensory neurons

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Cystitis causes considerable neuronal plasticity in the primary afferent pathways. The molecular mechanism and signal transduction underlying cross talk between the inflamed urinary bladder and sensory sensitization has not been investigated. Results: In a rat cystitis model induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP) for 48 h, the mRNA and protein levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are increased in the L6 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in response to bladder inflammation. Cystitis-induced CGRP expression in L6 DRG is triggered by endogenous nerve growth factor (NGF) because neutralization of NGF with a specific NGF antibody reverses CGRP up-regulation during cystitis. CGRP expression in the L6 DRG neurons is also enhanced by retrograde NGF signaling when NGF is applied to the nerve terminals of the ganglion-nerve two-compartmented preparation. Characterization of the signaling pathways in cystitis- or NGF-induced CGRP expression reveals that the activation (phosphorylation) of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)5 but not Akt is involved. In L6 DRG during cystitis, CGRP is co-localized with phospho-ERK5 but not phospho-Akt. NGF-evoked CGRP up-regulation is also blocked by inhibition of the MEK/ERK pathway with specific MEK inhibitors U0126 and PD98059, but not by inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway with inhibitor LY294002. Further examination shows that cystitis-induced cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) activity is expressed in CGRP bladder afferent neurons and is co-localized with phospho-ERK5 but not phospho-Akt. Blockade of NGF action in vivo reduces the number of DRG neurons co-expressing CGRP and p-CREB, and reverses cystitis-induced increases in micturition frequency. Conclusion: A specific pathway involving NGF-ERK5-CREB axis plays an essential role in cystitis-induced sensory activation.     

Alterations in growth-associated protein (GAP-43) expression in lower urinary tract pathways following chronic spinal cord injury

Alterations in the expression of growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) were examined in lower urinary tract micturition reflex pathways 6 or 8 weeks following complete spinal cord transection (approximately T9). In control animals, expression of GAP-43 was present in specific regions of the gray matter in the rostral lumbar and caudal lumbosacral spinal cord, including: (1) the dorsal commissure; (2) the corticospinal tract; (3) the dorsal horn; and (4) the regions of the intermediolateral cell column (L1-L2) and the sacral parasympathetic nucleus (L6-S1); and (5) in the lateral collateral pathway of Lissauer in L6-S1 spinal segments. Densitometry analysis has demonstrated significant increases (p < or =0.001; 1.3-6.4-fold increase) in GAP-43-immunoreactivity (IR) in these regions of the rostral lumbar (L1-L2) and caudal lumbosacral (L6-S1) spinal cord 6 weeks following spinal cord injury. Changes in GAP-43-IR were restricted to the L1-L2 and L6-S1 segments that are involved in lower urinary tract reflexes. Changes in GAP-43-IR were not observed at the L5 segmental level except for an increase in GAP-43-IR in the superficial, dorsal horn at 6 weeks post-injury. In all segments examined, GAP-43-IR was decreased (2-5-fold) in the corticospinal tract (dorsal division) 6 and 8 weeks following spinal cord injury. Eight weeks following spinal cord injury, changes in GAP-43-IR had returned to control levels except for the persistence of increased GAP-43-IR in the region of the sacral parasympathetic nucleus and the lateral collateral pathway in the S1 spinal segment. Alterations in GAP-43-IR following chronic spinal cord injury may suggest a reorganization of bladder afferent projections and spinal elements involved in urinary bladder reflexes consistent with alterations in urinary bladder function (hyperreflexia) observed in animals following spinal cord injury above the lumbosacral spinal cord.     

Overactive and underactive bladder dysfunction is reflected by alterations in urothelial ATP and NO release

ATP and NO are released from the urothelium in the bladder. Detrusor overactivity (DO) following spinal cord injury results in higher ATP and lower NO release from the bladder urothelium. Our aim was to study the relationship between ATP and NO release in (1) early diabetic bladders, an overactive bladder model; and (2) "diuretic" bladders, an underactive bladder model. To induce diabetes mellitus female rats received 65mg/kg streptozocin (i.v.). To induce chronic diuresis rats were fed with 5% sucrose. At 28 days, in vivo open cystometry was performed. Bladder wash was collected to analyze the amount of ATP and NO released into the bladder lumen. For in vitro analysis of ATP and NO release, a Ussing chamber was utilized and hypoosmotic Krebs was perfused on the urothelial side of the chamber. ATP was analyzed with luminometry or HPLC-fluorometry while NO was measured with a Sievers NO-analyzer. In vivo ATP release was increased in diabetic bladders and unchanged in diuretic bladders. In vitro release from the urothelium followed the same pattern. NO release was unchanged both in vitro and in vivo in overactive bladders whereas it was enhanced in underactive bladders. We found that the ratio of ATP/NO, representing sensory transmission in the bladder, was high in overactive and low in underactive bladder dysfunction. In summary, ATP release has a positive correlation while NO release has a negative correlation with the bladder contraction frequency. The urinary ATP/NO ratio may be a clinically relevant biomarker to characterize the extent of bladder dysfunction.     

Altered Neurotrophin mRNA Levels in Peripheral Nerve and Skeletal Muscle of Experimentally Diabetic Rats

Abstract: The levels of neurotrophin mRNA in sensory ganglia, sciatic nerve, and skeletal muscle were measured in the streptozotocin-diabetic rat using northern blotting. Periods of diabetes of 4, 6, and 12 weeks significantly elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA levels in soleus muscle compared with age-matched controls, the increase being highest at 6 weeks. At all time periods studied, the levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNA in soleus muscle were decreased by 21–47%. Following 12 weeks of diabetes, BDNF mRNA levels were increased approximately two-to threefold in L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and in sciatic nerve, NGF mRNA levels were raised 1.65-fold. Intensive insulin treatment of diabetic rats for the final 4 weeks of the 12-week period of diabetes reversed the up-regulation of BDNF mRNA in DRG and muscle and NGF mRNA in sciatic nerve. All diabetes-induced changes in neurotrophin mRNA were not paralleled by similar alterations in the levels of β-actin mRNA in muscle and nerve, or of GAP-43 mRNA in DRG and nerve. It is proposed that the up-regulation of neurotrophin mRNA is an endogenous protective and/or repair mechanism induced by insult and, as such, appears as an early marker of peripheral nerve and muscle damage in experimental diabetes.     

Intrathecal NGF Administration Reduces Reactive Astrocytosis and Changes Neurotrophin Receptors Expression Pattern in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain

Nerve growth factor (NGF), an essential peptide for sensory neurons, seems to have opposite effects when administered peripherally or directly to the central nervous system. We investigated the effects of 7-days intrathecal (i.t.) infusion of NGF on neuronal and glial spinal markers relevant to neuropathic behavior induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. Allodynic and hyperalgesic behaviors were investigated by Von Frey and thermal Plantar tests, respectively. NGF-treated animals showed reduced allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, compared to control animals. We evaluated on lumbar spinal cord the expression of microglial (ED-1), astrocytic (GFAP and S-100β), and C- and Aδ-fibers (SubP, IB-4 and Cb) markers. I.t. NGF treatment reduced reactive astrocytosis and the density of SubP, IB4 and Cb positive fibers in the dorsal horn of injured animals. Morphometric parameters of proximal sciatic nerve stump fibers and cells in DRG were also analyzed in CCI rats: myelin thickness was reduced and DRG neurons and satellite cells appeared hypertrophic. I.t. NGF treatment showed a beneficial effect in reversing these molecular and morphological alterations. Finally, we analyzed by immunohistochemistry the expression pattern of neurotrophin receptors TrkA, pTrkA, TrkB and p75^NTR. Substantial alterations in neurotrophin receptors expression were observed in the spinal cord of CCI and NGF-treated animals. Our results indicate that i.t. NGF administration reverses the neuro-glial morphomolecular changes occurring in neuropathic animals paralleled by alterations in neurotrophin receptors ratio, and suggest that NGF is effective in restoring homeostatic conditions in the spinal cord and maintaining analgesia in neuropathic pain.     

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Improves the Diabetic Cytopathy (DCP) via Up-Regulation of CGRP and cAMP

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanism of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on the diabetic cytopathy (DCP) in the diabetic bladder. A total of 45 rats were randomly divided into diabetes mellitus (DM)/TENS group (n = 15), DM group (n = 15) and control group (n = 15). The rats in the DM/TENS and TENS groups were electronically stimulated (stimulating parameters: intensity-31 V, frequency-31 Hz, and duration of stimulation of 15 min) for three weeks. Bladder histology, urodynamics and contractile responses to field stimulation and carbachol were determined. The expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The results showed that contractile responses of the DM rats were ameliorated after 3 weeks of TENS. Furthermore, TENS significantly increased bladder wet weight, volume threshold for micturition and reduced PVR, V% and cAMP content of the bladder. The mRNA and protein levels of CGRP in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in the DM/TENS group were higher than those in the DM group. TENS also significantly up-regulated the cAMP content in the bladder body and base compared with diabetic rats. We conclude that TENS can significantly improve the urine contractility and ameliorate the feeling of bladder fullness in DM rats possibly via up-regulation of cAMP and CGRP in DRG.     

Neural mobilization reverses behavioral and cellular changes that characterize neuropathic pain in rats

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The neural mobilization technique is a noninvasive method that has proved clinically effective in reducing pain sensitivity and consequently in improving quality of life after neuropathic pain. The present study examined the effects of neural mobilization (NM) on pain sensitivity induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) in rats. The CCI was performed on adult male rats, submitted thereafter to 10 sessions of NM, each other day, starting 14 days after the CCI injury. Over the treatment period, animals were evaluated for nociception using behavioral tests, such as tests for allodynia and thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia. At the end of the sessions, the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays for neural growth factor (NGF) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Results: The NM treatment induced an early reduction (from the second session) of the hyperalgesia and allodynia in CCI-injured rats, which persisted until the end of the treatment. On the other hand, only after the 4th session we observed a blockade of thermal sensitivity. Regarding cellular changes, we observed a decrease of GFAP and NGF expression after NM in the ipsilateral DRG (68% and 111%, respectively) and the decrease of only GFAP expression after NM in the lumbar spinal cord (L3-L6) (108%). Conclusions: These data provide evidence that NM treatment reverses pain symptoms in CCI-injured rats and suggest the involvement of glial cells and NGF in such an effect.