表皮生长因子对葡聚糖硫酸钠诱导的结肠炎模型小鼠肠道损伤的修复研究

本文旨在讨论表皮生长因子(EGF)对葡聚糖硫酸钠(DSS)诱导的结肠炎模型小鼠肠道损伤的修复作用。选用24只6周龄BALB/c小鼠,随机分为3组,即:正常对照组、DSS模型对照组、DSS+EGF组。正常对照组小鼠饮用自来水;DSS模型对照组小鼠在试验第1~7天饮用5%DSS水溶液,第8~10天饮用自来水;DSS+EGF组小鼠按照DSS模型对照组处理,同时每天皮下注射EGF 2次,共注射10 d。结果表明:1)与正常对照组相比,DSS模型对照组小鼠结肠长度极显著降低(P0.01);与DSS模型对照组相比,DSS+EGF组小鼠结肠长度极显著增加(P0.01)。2)DSS模型对照组小鼠结肠可见典型溃疡,结肠损伤程度评分(CDS)极显著高于正常对照组(P0.01);DSS+EGF组小鼠结肠组织未见溃疡,与DSS模型对照组相比,CDS极显著降低(P0.01)。3)与正常对照组相比,DSS模型对照组小鼠结肠紧密连接蛋白(Occludin)浓度显著降低(P0.05);与DSS模型对照组相比,DSS+EGF组小鼠结肠Occludin浓度显著升高(P0.05)。4)与正常对照组相比,DSS模型对照组小鼠结肠白细胞介素-2(IL-2)和白细胞介素-4(IL-4)浓度极显著降低(P0.01),白细胞介素-10(IL-10)浓度显著降低(P0.05);与DSS模型对照组相比,DSS+EGF组结肠IL-2和IL-4浓度极显著增加(P0.01),IL-10浓度显著增加(P0.05)。由此可见,EGF可能通过提高肠道Occludin表达水平,调节肠道细胞因子浓度趋于正常水平,从而修复受损肠道组织,维持肠道黏膜屏障的完整性。     

Lack of Modifying Effects of Intratracheal Instillation of Quartz or Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS) in Drinking Water on Lung Tumor Development Initiated with 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) in Female A/J Mice

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of inflammation, induced by intratracheal instillation (i.t.) of quartz as an environmental factor in the lung or drinking of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) as an environmental factor in the colon on lung tumors in female A/J mice initiated with NNK. For comparison, colonic preneoplastic lesions, aberrant crypt foci (ACF), were also assessed. A/J mice at 6 weeks of age were divided into 5 groups, and Groups 1, 2 and 3 were pretreated with NNK (2 mg / 0.1 ml saline / mouse, intraperitoneal injection) at week 0. For a week, 2% DSS in drinking water was administered to the mice in Groups 2 and 4 beginning in week 1. In week 2, the mice of Groups 3 and 5 were exposed to intratracheal instillation of quartz (0.1 mg/rat) suspended in 25 μl saline. The experiment was terminated after 16 weeks. The results for the lung tumors and colonic ACFs showed a lack of modifying effects of the inflammation in either site. Hematologically and histopathologically, the inflammation induced by 0.1 mg quartz in the lung and 2% DSS in the colon was lacking or only mild at the end of 16 weeks. These results suggest that there may be differences in sensitivity to inflammation that determine tumor promoting potential.     

Establishment and Evaluation of Mouse Model of Ulcerative Colitis

The experiment was aimed to establish mouse model of ulcerative colitis(uc) by screening the optimum concentration of dextran sulfate sodium salt(DSS).Thirty BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to control group, 3.5% DSS group and 5% DSS group, ten mice each group.Mice drank water freely for 5 days, the body weights of everyday were recorded, stool was observed and stool occult blood was tested.After the experiment, the changes of TNF-α, MPO, MDA and GSH were tested, and the colon weight/length ratio was calculated.Compared with control group, the activity of MPO and content of MDA in the experiment groups were significantly increased(P<0.05), and content of GSH was significantly decreased(P<0.05).3.5% and 5% DSS both could successfully establish mouse model of ulcerative colitis.Mice in 5% DSS group had poor mental state, such as lethargy, malaise;Mice in 3.5% DSS group were appropriate, the mice mental was good, MPO, MDA and GSH were significantly different compared with control group(P<0.05), but there were no difference compared with 5% DSS group(P>0.05).So 3.5% DSS was more appropriate than 5% DSS to establish mouse model of ulcerative colitis.     

小鼠溃疡性结肠炎模型的建立与评价

本试验旨在通过筛选葡聚糖硫酸钠盐(DSS)最佳浓度建立小鼠溃疡性结肠炎模型。将30只BALB/c小鼠随机分为对照组、3.5% DSS组、5% DSS组,每组10只。小鼠自由饮水5 d,每天记录小鼠体重,观察粪便性状,测便潜血。试验结束后测血清TNF-α、结肠组织髓过氧化物酶(MPO)、丙二醛(MDA)、还原性谷胱甘肽(GSH)活性变化等指标,计算结肠重量/长度比值。与对照组相比,两试验组结肠组织中MPO活性显著升高(P<0.05),MDA含量显著升高(P<0.05),GSH含量显著降低(P<0.05)。结果表明,两种浓度葡聚糖硫酸钠盐均可造模成功,5% DSS组小鼠精神状态很差,表现嗜睡、萎靡状态,而3.5% DSS组小鼠精神状态良好,且组织中MPO、MDA、GSH与对照组相比均差异显著(P<0.05),与5% DSS组相比差异不显著(P>0.05),因此,选用浓度为3.5% DSS造模更合适。     

Time course of the incidence/multiplicity and histopathological features of murine colonic dysplasia,adenoma and adenocarcinoma induced by benzo[a]pyrene and dextran sulfate sodium

Benzo[a]pyrene (BP) is mutagenic but noncarcinogenic in the murine colon. Recently, we reported rapid induction of colonic tumors by treatment of CD2F₁ mice with BP (125 mg/kg for 5 days) followed by a colitis inducer, dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) (4% in drinking water for 1 or 2 weeks). However, there are no reports on detailed time course and histopathological features of colonic proliferative lesions in this model. Here, we show the detailed time course of colonic dysplasia, adenoma and adenocarcinoma induced by treatment with BP, DSS, and a combination of the two (BP/DSS). In the colon of mice exposed to BP/DSS, 14.6 dysplastic foci per mouse were present one week after DSS treatment (week 4). The number of dysplastic foci decreased with time to 3.1 at week 9 and thereafter remained almost constant. At week 4, 1.5 adenocarcinomas were also observed, with a marked increase in numbers with time, reaching 29.3 at week 14. In contrast, the number of dysplastic foci induced by DSS alone showed a time course similar to that following BP/DSS treatment; however, only a few tumors appeared. Neither dysplastic foci nor neoplastic lesions were induced by BP only. In mice exposed to BP/DSS, β-catenin was demonstrated immunohistochemically in the nucleus and/or cytoplasm of the tumor cells, and this translocation from the cell membrane was evident in subsets of dysplastic foci. In dysplastic foci induced by DSS alone, β-catenin was absent in the nucleus/cytoplasm. These finding suggest that aberrant β-catenin accumulation in dysplastic foci is associated with tumor progression in this BP/DSS model.     

Effects of perineural capsaicin treatment on cardiopulmonary reflexes elicited by laryngeal instillations of capsaicin and distilled water in sevoflurane-anesthetized dogs

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of perineural capsaicin (CAPS) treatment on cardiopulmonary reflexes elicited by topical laryngeal instillation of CAPS and distilled water (DW) in sevoflurane-anesthetized dogs. Cardiopulmonary reflexes elicited by CAPS (10 microg/ml, 10 ml) were attenuated by perineural CAPS treatment to the superior laryngeal nerves (SLNs) (P<0.05), whereas those by DW (10 ml) remained unaffected (P>0.05). The reflex responses to DW that remained even after the perineural CAPS treatment were eliminated by laryngeal anesthesia with lidocaine. These results suggest that cardiopulmonary reflexes from the laryngeal mucosa elicited by CAPS instillation can be blocked by perineural CAPS treatment to the SLNs, which may result from inhibition of the laryngeal CAPS-sensitive C-fiber afferents.     

辣木叶总黄酮对小鼠溃疡性结肠炎防治作用的研究

【目的】以葡聚糖硫酸钠(DSS)诱导的溃疡性结肠炎(UC)小鼠为模型,探究辣木叶总黄酮(MOLF)对UC的防治作用。【方法】将50只BALB/c小鼠随机分为5组：对照组、DSS组(模型组)和MOLF-L(25 mg/kg)、MOLF-M(50 mg/kg)、MOLF-H(100 mg/kg)处理组,每组10只。小鼠通过饮用4%DSS诱导UC模型,各MOLF处理组灌胃相应剂量药物0.2 mL,对照组和DSS组灌以等体积的生理盐水,每天1次,连续7 d。每天记录各组疾病活动指数(DAI),在末次给药的次日经眼眶静脉丛采血,分离血清测定白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-10(IL-10)、高迁移率族蛋白B1(HMGB1)和内毒素(LPS)含量;小鼠脱颈处死后取结肠组织进行HE染色观察组织形态、PAS染色观察组织杯状细胞数量变化;实时荧光定量PCR法检测结肠组织中IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-10、HMGB1 mRNA表达水平;免疫荧光法检测肠黏膜闭锁连接蛋白-1(ZO-1)和闭合蛋白(Occludin)表达情况;Western blotting分析凋...     

Tissue distribution of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in the acute phase of murine DSS-induced colitis

In the present study, we examined histochemically the tissue distribution of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in the acute phase of murine colitis induced by administering DSS in the drinking water. DSS was mainly observed in the Kupffer cells of the liver, in the macrophages of the mesenteric lymph node (MLN) and in the lamina propria of the large intestine after administration of DSS. We followed the time course of DSS distribution and found that DSS, which was considered as a large and negatively charged molecule that can not easily cross membranes, was distributed in the liver, the MLN, and the large intestine 1 day after the start of administration of DSS.     

Nasal sensory receptors responding to capsaicin, water and tactile stimuli in sevoflurane-anesthetized dogs.

Responses of nasal receptors to capsaicin and water were studied from afferent recordings of the posterior nasal nerve (PNN) in 12 anesthetized dogs. Out of 12 non-respiration-modulated nasal receptors, 7 responded only to capsaicin, 3 responded to both water and capsaicin, and 2 to neither of them. All the fibers showed a rapid adaptation to mechanical probing of the nasal mucosa. These results indicate that the presence of sensory receptors responding to capsaicin and water are involved in PNN afferents of the dog.     

Respiratory and cardiovascular reflexes elicited by nasal instillation of capsaicin to anesthetized, spontaneously breathing dogs

Cardiopulmonary reflexes elicited by capsaicin (CAPS) instilled into the nasal passages were determined in 6 anesthetized dogs breathing spontaneously. Nasal instillation of CAPS (10 microg/ml, 10 ml) induced: 1) apneic response characterized by an increase in expiration time; 2) bronchoconstrictor response characterized by an increase in lung resistance and a decrease in dynamic compliance; and 3) cardiovascular response characterized by a decrease in heart rate and an increase in arterial blood pressure. These reflex responses to CAPS were attenuated by pretreatment with a higher dose of CAPS (100 microg/ml, 10 ml), suggesting desensitization of CAPS-sensitive endings. These results suggest that marked cardiopulmonary reflexes are produced by nasal CAPS instillation, which may result, at least in part, from stimulation of nasal CAPS-sensitive sensory afferents.     

Key role of mucosal primary afferents in mediating the inhibitory influence of capsaicin on vagally mediated contractions in the mouse esophagus

Transient receptor potential ion channel of the vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1)-dependent pathway, consisting of capsaicin-sensitive tachykininergic primary afferent and myenteric nitrergic neurons, was suggested to mediate the inhibitory effect of capsaicin on the vagally mediated striated muscle contractions in the rat esophagus. These primary afferent neurons upon entering into the esophagus are distributed through the myenteric plexus, terminating either in the myenteric ganglia or en route to the mucosa where they branch into a delicate net of fine varicose fibers. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether the mucosal primary afferents are a main mediator for the capsaicin inhibitory influence on vagally mediated contractions in the mouse esophagus. For this purpose, the vagally induced contractile activity of a thoracic esophageal segment was measured in the circular direction with a force transducer. Vagal stimulation (30 microsec, 25 V, 1-50 Hz for 1 sec) produced monophasic contractile responses, whose amplitudes were frequency-dependent. These contractions were completely abolished by d-tubocurarine (5 microM) while resistant to atropine (1 microM) and hexamethonium (100 microM). Capsaicin (30 microM) significantly inhibited the vagally induced contractions in esophagi with intact mucosa while its effect on preparations without mucosa was insignificant. Additionally, immunocytochemistry revealed the presence of TRPV1-positive nerve fibers in the tunica mucosa. Taken together, we conclude that in the mouse esophagus, capsaicin inhibits the vagally mediated striated muscle contractions mainly through its action on mucosal primary afferents, which in turn activate the presumed inhibitory local reflex arc.     

芹菜发酵液对小鼠溃疡性结肠炎的保护作用研究

本试验旨在研究发酵前后芹菜汁的主要功能成分变化和芹菜发酵液对葡聚糖硫酸钠（DSS）诱导的小鼠溃疡性结肠炎（UC）的防治及免疫调节作用。选取50只4周龄雄性C57BL/6小鼠随机分为空白组、模型组及低、中、高浓度芹菜发酵液组,每组10只。按10 μL/g BW的剂量标准给空白组和模型组小鼠灌胃无菌生理盐水,其他组小鼠则灌胃不同浓度的芹菜发酵液,持续7 d。从第8天开始,除空白组自由饮用无菌水外,其余组连续7 d自由饮用3% DSS溶液;在此过程,每日称量体重,进行疾病活动指数（DAI）评分。在第14天,通过摘眼球取血法获得全血,随后脱颈处死小鼠,解剖取出结肠组织测量长度并通过苏木素-伊红（HE）染色法制作病理切片,进行病理学分析。以流式细胞仪分选技术检测外周血中CD4⁺/CD8⁺T淋巴细胞比值,以酶联免疫吸附法（ELISA）检测血清中肿瘤坏死因子-α（TNF-α）、白细胞介素-6（IL-6）、γ-干扰素（IFN-γ）和IL-10的含量。结果表明：①芹菜汁经发酵后,总酸、总糖、总多酚、类黄酮、维生素C和超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）等多种活性成分的含量均显著增加（P<0.05）。②与模型组相比,芹菜发酵液高浓度组能减少DSS引起的小鼠体重损失（P<0.01）、结肠缩短（P<0.01）和DAI降低（P<0.05）。③组织病理学分析结果表明,各发酵液组的UC症状均得到不同程度改善,肠腺结构相对完整,杯状细胞轻微减少,仅有少量淋巴细胞和中性粒细胞浸入。④流式细胞仪分析结果显示,相较于模型组,发酵液组全血CD4⁺/CD8⁺T淋巴细胞比值极显著升高（P<0.01）。⑤ELISA检测结果显示,与模型组相比,芹菜发酵液组的IL-6、TNF-α和IFN-γ含量极显著下调（P<0.01）,IL-10的含量极显著上调（P<0.01）。综上,芹菜汁经发酵后主要功能活性成分均得到显著提高,并且发酵芹菜液对DSS诱导的小鼠UC具有一定的防治和免疫调节作用,其作用机制可能与维持外周血中CD4⁺与CD8⁺T淋巴细胞平衡,以及抑制促炎症因子（TNF-α、IL-6和IFN-γ）表达,促进抗炎症因子（IL-10）表达有关。     

苏木乙酸乙酯提取物对溃疡性结肠炎大鼠T细胞亚群和IL-6的影响

试验旨在观察苏木乙酸乙酯提取物对溃疡性结肠炎(ulcerative colitis,UC)大鼠T细胞亚群和IL-6的影响。将40只Wistar大鼠随机分成正常组、模型组、苏木组、柳氮磺胺吡啶(SASP)组,除正常对照组外,其余各组大鼠用兔黏膜免疫法造模。造模后各组分别以生理盐水、苏木乙酸乙酯提取物、SASP灌胃给药21 d。运用流式细胞术及ELISA法检测外周血T细胞亚群和IL-6的表达。结果显示,模型组CD4+T细胞升高、CD4+/CD8+升高、IL-6的含量明显增高,与正常组相比,差异显著(P0.05);苏木组、SASP组CD4+T细胞降低、CD4+/CD8+降低、IL-6的含量明显降低,与模型组相比,差异显著(P0.05);苏木组与SASP组相比,差异不显著(P0.05)。试验结果证明,苏木乙酸乙酯提取物通过调整T细胞亚群和降低IL-6含量,发挥对UC大鼠的治疗作用。     

Effects of the neutrophil elastase inhibitor (ONO-6818) on acetic acid induced colitis in Syrian hamsters

Neutrophil elastase (NE) released from neutrophils during inflammation is related to tissue disturbance and organ failure. We investigated the effects of an orally active NE inhibitor, ONO-6818, on acetic acid induced colitis in Syrian hamsters. The ulcer area, hemoglobin level in the colonic lumen, NE activity, and tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the colitis control animals were significantly increased compared to the normal control ones. Either oral or subcutaneous treatment with ONO-6818 had significant inhibitory effects on the ulcer area, hemoglobin level and NE activity in the colonic lumen, but ONO-6818 did not have a significant inhibitory effect on tissue MPO activity. We conclude that NE is closely related to the development of inflammation in acetic acid-induced colitis in Syrian hamsters and that the condition is improved by the inhibition of NE.     

Pulmonary dysfunction in neonatal calves after intratracheal inoculation of small volumes of fluid

Intratracheal instillation of 20 ml of room temperature (21 to 24 C) fluid in anesthetized neonatal calves resulted in rapid onset of reversible pulmonary dysfunction. Arterial O2 tension and dynamic compliance decreased, whereas pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, alveolar arterial O2 difference, and total pulmonary resistance increased from base-line values. Abnormalities of gas exchange and pulmonary mechanics were induced by intratracheal fluid instillation whether or not Pasteurella haemolytica was in the inoculum. Physical manipulation of the calf without intratracheal fluid instillation (sham inoculation) did not influence pulmonary function. Bilateral vagotomy eliminated the increase in pulmonary resistance and the decrease in dynamic compliance, but did not eliminate hypoxemia, increased alveolar arterial O2 difference, or pulmonary hypertension recorded after intratracheal fluid instillation. Seemingly, changes in pulmonary mechanics are mediated via the vagus nerve. However, one or more additional mechanisms must be responsible for the hypoxemia and pulmonary hypertension.     

Colonic ulceration and increase of neutrophil elastase activity in the acetic acid-induced colitis model in Syrian hamsters

A novel colitis model using Syrian hamsters was developed. Colitis was induced by intracolonic administration of 1% acetic acid, and the ulcer area, tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and luminal neutrophil elastase (NE) activity of the colon were determined at 1, 3, 8, 24 and 48 hr after colitis induction. The histopathological changes of the colon were also examined in this model. An increase of tissue MPO activity and NE activity was evident at 3 hr after induction of colitis, peaked at 24 hr, and decreased subsequently. The increase of luminal NE activity was well correlated with the colonic ulcer area. In histopathological examination, ulceration, erosion, crypt abscesses, neutrophil infiltration, hemorrhage, and edema were seen. The effects of prednisolone were examined to evaluate the adequacy of our colitis model. Syrian hamsters were treated orally with prednisolone at 18 and 1 hr before and at 6 hr after induction of colitis, and the ulcer area, tissue MPO activity, and luminal NE activity were evaluated at 24 hr after colitis induction. Prednisolone therapy had little effect on the tissue MPO activity. However, the NE activity of the prednisolone-treated group was significantly decreased. In addition, although prednisolone did not significantly decrease the ulcer area, a tendency toward decrease was noted. We conclude that this new model of experimental colitis in Syrian hamsters is useful for investigating the pathophysiology of colitis, especially useful for studying the relationship between colitis and NE activity.     

Effect of a probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum TN8 strain on trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid‐induced colitis in rats

This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of an oral treatment by a newly isolated probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum TN8 strain on trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)‐induced colitis in Wistar rats. Thus, 18 rats were divided into three groups (n = 6 per group): group 1 (control) – rats not receiving TNBS application; group 2 – rats receiving an intrarectal TNBS infusion (100 mg/kg TNBS dissolved in ethanol); and group 3 – rats treated with intragastrical TN8 strain once per day (for 5 days before TNBS induction). The performance and the effects of the probiotic treatment were evaluated using a series of histological, biophysical and biochemical analyses. The results have shown that the treatment with the L. plantarum TN8 strain improves the body weight and reduces the diarrhoea, colonic mucosal inflammation and colon shortening. TN8‐treated rats showed a significant decrease in the total cholesterol content from 1.86 (for group 2) to 1.32 mmol/l and in triglyceride (TG) content from 2.09 (for group 2) to 1.23 mmol/l. Furthermore, the findings revealed that the high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol contents increased from 0.95 to 1.02 mmol/l. The histological studies have confirmed that the architecture of the liver and kidney tissues of the TN8‐treated rats were found to be improved. Overall, the results suggest that the L. plantarum TN8 presents promising perspectives for the development of safe and cost‐effective agents for the prevention or alleviation of several intestinal pathologies.     

Spinal nerve root origins of the cutaneous nerves of the canine pelvic limb

The spinal nerve root origins of the cutaneous nerves innervating the canine pelvic limb were determined in 12 barbiturate-anesthetized, healthy dogs by stimulating the dorsal roots L1-S3 and recording the evoked-action potentials from each cutaneous nerve. The dogs were then euthanatized, identification of each dorsal root and cutaneous nerve was verified by dissection, and the type of lumbosacral plexus (prefixed, median fixed, or postfixed) was determined. With one exception, the dorsal cutaneous branches and lateral cutaneous branches of L1-L3 originated only from their corresponding spinal nerve roots. The genitofemoral nerve received afferent fibers predominantly from L3-L4 nerve roots. The lateral cutaneous femoral nerve originated from L3-L5 nerve roots, and the saphenous nerve from L4-L6 nerve roots. The proximal caudal cutaneous sural nerve originated from L6-S1. The lateral cutaneous sural nerve originated from L5-S1; the deep and superficial fibular nerves arose primarily from L6-L7. The distal caudal cutaneous sural nerve originated predominantly from L7-S1, and the medial cutaneous tarsal nerve originated from L6-S1. The medial plantar nerve originated predominantly from L6-S1 roots, whereas the lateral plantar nerve originated from L6-S2 roots. The middle clunial nerve received afferent fibers primarily from S1-S2; the caudal clunial nerve received fibers from S1-S3. The caudal cutaneous femoral nerve originated predominantly from L7-S2. The dorsal nerve of the penis originated predominantly from S1-S2, and the superficial perineal nerve originated from S1-S3. One dog had a prefixed plexus, 8 dogs had median-fixed plexuses, and 1 dog had a postfixed plexus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The effects of cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors on bile-injured and normal equine colon

A potential adverse effect of cyclo-oxygenase (COX) inhibitors (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]) in horses is colitis. In addition, we have previously shown an important role for COX-produced prostanoids in recovery of ischaemic-injured equine jejunum. It was hypothesised that the nonselective COX inhibitor flunixin would retard repair of bile-injured colon by preventing production of reparative prostaglandins, whereas the selective COX-2 inhibitor, etodolac would not inhibit repair as a result of continued COX-1 activity. Segments of the pelvic flexure were exposed to 1.5 mmol/l deoxycholate for 30 min, after which they were recovered for 4 h in Ussing chambers. Contrary to the proposed hypothesis, recovery of bile-injured colonic mucosa was not affected by flunixin or etodolac, despite significantly depressed prostanoid production. However, treatment of control tissue with flunixin led to increases in mucosal permeability, whereas treatment with etodolac had no significant effect. Therefore, although recovery from bile-induced colonic injury maybe independent of COX-elaborated prostanoids, treatment of control tissues with nonselective COX inhibitors may lead to marked increases in permeability. Alternatively, selective inhibition of COX-2 may reduce the incidence of adverse effects in horses requiring NSAID therapy.     

Inhibition of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 through α2 adrenergic receptors at peripheral nerve terminals relieves pain

The activation of α₂ adrenergic receptors contributes to analgesia not only in the central nervous system but also in the peripheral nervous system. We reported that noradrenaline inhibits the activity of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) evoked by capsaicin through α₂ receptors in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. However, it is unclear whether activation of TRPV1 expressed in peripheral nerve terminals is inhibited by α₂ receptors and whether this phenomenon contributes to analgesia. Therefore, we examined effects of clonidine, an α₂ receptor agonist, on several types of nociceptive behaviors, which may be caused by TRPV1 activity, and subtypes of α₂ receptors expressed with TRPV1 in primary sensory neurons in rats. Capsaicin injected into hind paws evoked nociceptive behaviors and clonidine preinjected into the same site inhibited capsaicin-evoked responses. This inhibition was not observed when clonidine was injected into the contralateral hind paws. Preinjection of clonidine into the plantar surface of ipsilateral, but not contralateral, hind paws reduced the sensitivity to heat stimuli. Clonidine partially reduced formalin-evoked responses when it was preinjected into ipsilateral hind paws. The expression level of α_2C receptor mRNA quantified by real-time PCR was highest followed by those of α_2A and α_2B receptors in DRGs. α_2A and α_2C receptor-like immunoreactivities were detected with TRPV1-like immunoreactivities in the same neurons. These results suggest that TRPV1 and α₂ receptors are coexpressed in peripheral nerve terminals and that the functional association between these two molecules causes analgesia.