RGS9-2 modulates nociceptive behaviour and opioid-mediated synaptic transmission in the spinal dorsal horn.
Neurosci Lett
; 501(1): 31-4, 2011 Aug 21.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-21741448
ABSTRACT
The regulator of G protein signaling 9-2 (RGS9-2) is a constituent of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) macromolecular complexes with a major role in regulation of GPCR activity in the central nervous system. Previous in situ hybridization and Western blot studies revealed that RGS9-2 is expressed in the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord. In the present study, we monitored tail withdrawal latencies to noxious thermal stimuli and performed in vitro whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiological recordings from neurons in lamina II of the spinal dorsal horn to examine the role of RGS9-2 in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in nociceptive behaviours and opiate mediated modulation of synaptic transmission. Our findings obtained from RGS9 knockout mice indicate that the lack of RGS9-2 protein decreases sensitivity to thermal stimuli and to the analgesic actions of morphine in the tail immersion paradigm. This modulatory role of RGS9-2 on opiate-mediated responses was further supported by electrophysiological studies showing that hyperpolarization of neurons in lamina II of the spinal dorsal horn evoked by application of DAMGO ([d-Ala2, N-MePhe4, Gly-ol]-enkephalin, a mu opioid receptor agonist) was diminished in RGS9 knockout mice. The results indicate that RGS9-2 enhances the effect of morphine and may play a crucial role in opiate-mediated analgesic mechanisms at the level of the spinal cord.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Dor
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Comportamento Animal
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Transmissão Sináptica
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Receptores Opioides mu
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Células do Corno Posterior
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Proteínas RGS
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2011
Tipo de documento:
Article