GFAP-NpHR mediated optogenetic inhibition of trigeminal nucleus caudalis attenuates hypersensitive behaviors and thalamic discharge attributed to infraorbital nerve constriction injury.

ABSTRACT: The significance of hyperactive astrocytes in neuropathic pain is crucial. However, the association between medullary astrocytes and trigeminal neuralgia (TN)-related pain processing is unclear. Here, we examined how optogenetic inhibition of medullary astrocytes in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) regulates pain hypersensitivity in an infraorbital nerve (ION) constricted TN model. We used adult Sprague Dawley rats subjected to infraorbital nerve (ION) constriction to mimic TN symptoms, with naive and sham rats serving as controls. For in vivo optogenetic manipulations, rats stereotaxically received AAV8-GFAP-eNpHR3.0-mCherry or AAV8-GFAP-mCherry at the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC). Open field, von Frey, air puff, and acetone tests measured pain behavioral flexibility. In vivo th

SUBMITTER: Kc E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10566148 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature