TRPV1 receptors contribute to mediate paclitaxel-induced c-Fos expression in spinal cord dorsal horn neurons.

摘要

Transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptorsare important in the development of different pathologicalchronic pain states. Here we examined the role of spinal cordTRPV1 receptors in the mechanisms leading to activation ofdorsal horn neurons after paclitaxel (PAC) treatment. PAC isa widely used chemotherapeutic drug that often leads todevelopment of painful neuropathy. Immunohistochemicalanalysis of c-Fos protein expression in dorsal horn neurons wasused as a marker of neuronal activation. Rat spinal cord sliceswere processed for in vitro incubation with PAC (100 nM) andTRPV1 receptor antagonists (SB366791 and AMG9810; 10 μM).PAC treatment induced significant upregulation of c-Fos nuclearexpression in superficial dorsal horn neurons that was diminishedby TRPV1 receptor antagonists pre-incubation. These resultsfurther substantiated the role of spinal TRPV1 receptors in thedevelopment of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain andcontribute to better understanding of the pathologicalmechanisms involved.