Chemogenetic manipulation of microglia inhibits neuroinflammation and neuropathic pain in mice.

ABSTRACT: Microglia play an important role in the central sensitization and chronic pain. However, a direct connection between microglial function and pain development in vivo remains incompletely understood. To address this issue, we applied chemogenetic approach by using CX₃CR1^creER/+:R26^LSL-hM4Di/+ transgenic mice to enable expression of inhibitory Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (Gi DREADD) in microglia. We found that microglial Gi DREADD activation inhibited spinal nerve transection (SNT)-induced microglial reactivity as well as chronic pain in both male and female mice. Gi DREADD activation downregulated the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) and its downstream target pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 1 bet

SUBMITTER: Yi MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7897256 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature