GDNF hyperalgesia is mediated by PLCgamma, MAPK/ERK, PI3K, CDK5 and Src family kinase signaling and dependent on the IB4-binding protein versican.

ABSTRACT: The function of the isolectin B4 (IB4+)-binding and GDNF-dependent Ret (Ret+)-expressing non-peptidergic subpopulation of nociceptors remain poorly understood. We demonstrate that acute administration of GDNF sensitizes nociceptors and produces mechanical hyperalgesia in the rat. Intrathecal IB4-saporin, a selective toxin for IB4+/Ret+-nociceptors, attenuates GDNF but not NGF hyperalgesia. Conversely, intrathecal antisense to Trk A attenuated NGF but not GDNF hyperalgesia. Intrathecal administration of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides targeting mRNA for versican, the molecule that renders the Ret-expressing nociceptors IB4-positive (+), also attenuated GDNF but not NGF hyperalgesia, as did ADAMTS-4, a matrix metalloprotease known to degrade versican. Finally, inhibitors for all five signali

SUBMITTER: Bogen O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2660608 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature