Differential expression of alpha-adrenoceptor subtypes in rat dorsal root ganglion after chronic constriction injury.
- Author:
Hong-Ju, CHENG
;
Ke-Tao, MA
;
Li, LI
;
Lei, ZHAO
;
Yang, WANG
;
Jun-Qiang, SI
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:
Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Medical Sciences)
2014;34(3):322-9
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
mRNAs of alpha-adrenoceptor (α-AR) subtypes are found in neurons in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and change after peripheral nerve injury. In this study, the distribution of α-AR subtype proteins was studied in L5 DRG of normal rats and rats with chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve (CCI). Using immunofluorescence technique, it was found that α1A-, α1B-, and α2A-AR proteins were expressed in large, medium, and small size neurons in normal DRG, and significantly increased in all size neurons 14 days after CCI. α1D- and α2C-AR was also expressed in all size neurons in normal DRG. However, α1D-AR was significantly increased and α2C-AR was decreased in small size neurons 14 days post CCI. α2B-AR neurons were not detectable in normal and CCI DRG. Co-expression of α1A- and α2A-AR in the same neuron was observed in normal DRG and increased post CCI. Collectively, these results indicated that there is distinct distribution of α-AR subtypes in DRG neurons, and the distribution and levels of expression of α-AR subtypes change differently after CCI. The up-regulation of α-AR subtypes in DRG neurons may play an important role in the process of generating and transmitting neuropathic pain.
