Attenuation of nociception in a model of acute pancreatitis by an NK-1 antagonist.
Substance P (SP) acting at the NK-1 neurokinin receptor has a well-documented role in the transmission and maintenance of nociceptive information. SP is found in the majority of fibers innervating the pancreas, and it is up-regulated after pancreatic inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the NK-1 receptors in the maintenance of pancreatic nociception. Using a newly developed rat model of acute pancreatic nociception that persists for 1 week, the NK-1 receptor expression in the spinal cord and pancreas was examined using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting procedures. The effects of a specific NK-1 antagonist, CP99,994, on the behavioral manifestations of pancreatic nociception were determined. The antagonist was administered intraperitoneally and intrathecally to differentiate peripheral and central effects. Injection of CP-100,263, the inactive enantiomer of CP-99,994 was used as a control for nonspecific effects of the antagonist. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting analysis revealed an up-regulation of the NK-1 receptor occurs in the pancreas but not at the spinal cord level. The NK-1 antagonist was able to attenuate the nociceptive behaviors in rats with pancreatitis when applied intraperitoneally with a short duration of effectiveness. Intrathecal application of the antagonist was ineffective. These results suggest the involvement of pancreatic NK-1 receptors in the maintenance of nociception during pancreatic inflammation.
Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Medical Research Building, Room 10.138D, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-1043, USA.
Louis P
LP
Vera-Portocarrero
Karin N
KN
Westlund
D000208:Acute Disease; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D008297:Male; D064729:Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; D009947:Organotin Compounds / Q000633:toxicity; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000379:methods; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010880:Piperidines / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D018040:Receptors, Neurokinin-1 / Q000378:metabolism
D064729:Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; D009947:Organotin Compounds; D010880:Piperidines; D018040:Receptors, Neurokinin-1; C080755:3-(2-methoxybenzylamino)-2-phenylpiperidine; C020735:dibutyldichlorotin