Novel intrathecal and subcutaneous catheter delivery systems in the mouse

Catheter systems that permit targeted delivery of genes, molecules, ligands, and other agents represent an investigative tool critical to the development of clinically relevant animal models that facilitate the study of neurological health and disease. The development of new sustained catheter delivery systems to spinal and peripheral sites will reduce the need for repeated injections, while ensuring constant levels of drug in plasma and tissues

β2- and β3-adrenergic receptors drive COMT-dependent pain by increasing production of nitric oxide and cytokines

Decreased activity of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), an enzyme that metabolizes catecholamines, contributes to pain in humans and animals. Previously, we demonstrated that development of COMT-dependent pain is mediated by both β2- and β3-adrenergic receptors (β2-and β3ARs). Here, we investigated molecules downstream of β2-and β3ARs driving pain in animals with decreased COMT activity. Based on evidence linking their role in pain and synthesis downstream of β2- and β3AR stimulation, we hypothesized that nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines drive COMT-dependent pain. To test this, we measured plasma NO derivatives and cytokines in rats receiving the COMT inhibitor OR486 in the presence or absence of the β2AR antagonist ICI118,551 + β3AR antagonist SR59320A. We also assessed if the NO synthase inhibitor L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and cytokine neutralizing antibodies block the development of COMT-dependent pain. Results showed that animals receiving OR486 exhibited higher levels of NO derivatives, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) in a β2-and β3AR-dependent manner. Additionally, inhibition of NO synthases and neutralization of the innate immunity cytokines TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6 blocked the development of COMT-dependent pain. Finally, we found that NO influences TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 and CCL2 levels, while TNFα and IL-6 influence NO levels. Altogether, these results demonstrate that β2- and β3ARs contribute to COMT-dependent pain, at least partly, by increasing NO and cytokines. Furthermore, they identify β2- and β3ARs, NO, and pro-inflammatory cytokines as potential therapeutic targets for pain patients with abnormalities in COMT physiology

Persistent Catechol-O-methyltransferase–dependent Pain Is Initiated by Peripheral β-Adrenergic Receptors

Adrenalectomized rats or intact rats receiving peripheral administration of β-adrenergic receptor antagonists do not develop pain following sustained COMT inhibition, suggesting a peripheral adrenergic site of action for COMT-dependent pain

MicroRNA expression profiles differentiate chronic pain condition subtypes

Chronic pain is a significant healthcare problem, ineffectively treated due to its unclear etiology and heterogeneous clinical presentation. Emerging evidence demonstrates that microRNAs regulate the expression of pain-relevant genes, yet little is known about their role in chronic pain. Here, we evaluate the relationship between pain, psychological characteristics, plasma cytokines and whole blood microRNAs in 22 healthy controls (HC); 33 subjects with chronic pelvic pain (vestibulodynia: VBD); and 23 subjects with VBD and irritable bowel syndrome (VBD+IBS). VBD subjects were similar to HCs in self-reported pain, psychological profiles and remote bodily pain. VBD+IBS subjects reported decreased health and function; and an increase in headaches, somatization and remote bodily pain. Furthermore, VBD subjects exhibited a balance in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, while VBD+IBS subjects failed to exhibit a compensatory increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines. VBD subjects differed from controls in expression of 10 microRNAs of predicted importance for pain and estrogen signaling. VBD+IBS subjects differed from controls in expression of 11 microRNAs of predicted importance for pain, cell physiology and insulin signaling. MicroRNA expression was correlated with pain-relevant phenotypes and cytokine levels. These results suggest microRNAs represent a valuable tool for differentiating VBD subtypes (localized pain with apparent peripheral neurosensory disruption versus widespread pain with a central sensory contribution) that may require different treatment approaches

Novel intrathecal and subcutaneous catheter delivery systems in the mouse

BACKGROUND: Catheter systems that permit targeted delivery of genes, molecules, ligands, and other agents represent an investigative tool critical to the development of clinically relevant animal models that facilitate the study of neurological health and disease. The development of new sustained catheter delivery systems to spinal and peripheral sites will reduce the need for repeated injections, while ensuring constant levels of drug in plasma and tissues. NEW METHOD: Here, we introduce two novel catheter delivery systems in the mouse: the O’Buckley intrathecal catheter system for sustained delivery to the spinal region and a subcutaneous bifurcated catheter system for sustained drug delivery to both hindpaws. RESULTS: The O’Buckley intrathecal catheter system consistently distributed Evans Blue throughout the spinal cord, with the greatest concentration at the thoracic region, and with an 85% surgery success rate. The subcutaneous catheter system consistently distributed Evans Blue to the hindlimbs, with a 100% surgery success rate. COMPARISON TO EXISTING METHOD: The O’Buckley intrathecal catheter system accomplishes sustained drug delivery to the spinal region, with a 2-fold increase in surgery success rate, as compared to the traditional method. Our subcutaneous bifurcated catheter system accomplishes sustained drug delivery to both hindpaws, eliminating the need for repeated intraplantar injections. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed catheter systems that improve upon traditional methods in order to achieve sustained localized drug delivery to spinal tissues and to hindpaw tissues surrounding peripheral sciatic nerve terminals. These methods have a broad reach, and can be used to enhance behavioral, physiologic and mechanistic studies in mice