Dorsal horn interneuron-derived Netrin-4 contributes to spinal sensitization in chronic pain via Unc5B.

ABSTRACT: Because of the incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie chronic pain, the currently available treatments for this type of pain remain inefficient. In this study, we show that Netrin-4, a member of the axon guidance molecule family, was expressed in dorsal horn inner lamina II excitatory interneurons in the rat spinal cord. A similar expression pattern for Netrin-4 was also observed in human spinal cord. Behavioral analysis revealed that tactile and heat hyperalgesia after peripheral nerve injury or inflammation were abolished in Netrin-4-mutant rats. Transient suppression of Netrin-4 or its receptor Unc5B after injury could also prevent allodynia. Conversely, intrathecal administration of Netrin-4 protein to naive rats enhanced excitatory synaptic transmission in

SUBMITTER: Hayano Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5154943 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature