BACKGROUND: Neuropathic pain is one of the most challenging clinical problems due to a lack of understanding the mechanisms. Recent studies have suggested that activated microglia in spinal cord may play a vital role in nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain, but the exact mechanisms have not been fully determined. METHODS: First, we investigated the changes of dorsal horn GABA(B) receptor 1 (R1) expression in spinal nerve ligation rats. Second, we explored whether activated microglia contributed to such neuron changes by intrathecal administration of the p38 inhibitor, SB203580. RESULTS: In this study, we found a dynamic change of GABA(B)R1a protein expression after spinal nerve ligation, and the peripheral nerve injury-induced downregulation of GABA(B)R1a expression in the spinal dorsal horn could be prevented by intrathecal administration of a p38/MAPK inhibitor SB203580. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide valuable information for a better understanding of neuropathic pain and may contribute to developing effective treatments in future studies. 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.
BACKGROUND:Neuropathic pain is one of the most challenging clinical problems due to a lack of understanding the mechanisms. Recent studies have suggested that activated microglia in spinal cord may play a vital role in nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain, but the exact mechanisms have not been fully determined. METHODS: First, we investigated the changes of dorsal horn GABA(B) receptor 1 (R1) expression in spinal nerve ligation rats. Second, we explored whether activated microglia contributed to such neuron changes by intrathecal administration of the p38 inhibitor, SB203580. RESULTS: In this study, we found a dynamic change of GABA(B)R1a protein expression after spinal nerve ligation, and the peripheral nerve injury-induced downregulation of GABA(B)R1a expression in the spinal dorsal horn could be prevented by intrathecal administration of a p38/MAPK inhibitor SB203580. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide valuable information for a better understanding of neuropathic pain and may contribute to developing effective treatments in future studies. 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Authors: Shunying Jin; Michael L Merchant; Jeffrey D Ritzenthaler; Kenneth R McLeish; Eleanor D Lederer; Edilson Torres-Gonzalez; Mostafa Fraig; Michelle T Barati; Alex B Lentsch; Jesse Roman; Jon B Klein; Madhavi J Rane Journal: PLoS One Date: 2015-04-07 Impact factor: 3.240