Localized increases in corticotropin-releasing factor receptors in pulp after dental injury.
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) binds to membrane-bound CRF receptors (CRF-Rs). Among the actions mediated by activated CRF-Rs is beta-endorphin (END) release from immune cells, increasing peripheral antinociception. For assessment of inflammatory regulation of CRF-R expression, rats underwent pulp exposure of left, first mandibular molars and recovered for 6 days. Control pulpal tissue consisted of contralateral, uninjured molars and left, first mandibular molars of uninjured animals. Pulp tissue specimens were incubated with antibodies directed against CRF-R (both isoforms), neurofilament, CD45, and END. We observed (1) increases in pulp CRF-R immunoreactivity after injury, (2) increased CRF-R immunoreactivity expressed in 3 distinct zones in relation to the injury, and (3) increased CD45 and END immunoreactivity in regions surrounding the pulpal abscess. CRF-Rs might provide an additional target for novel analgesics to treat pulpal pain.
Rutz
J Carson
JC
School of Dental Medicine, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Alton, Illinois, USA.
Hatton
John F
JF
Hildebolt
Charles
C
Wells
Jason E
JE
Rowland
Kevin C
KC
D000818:Animals; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000293:injuries* / Q000378:metabolism*; D003789:Dental Pulp Exposure / Q000378:metabolism; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009411:Nerve Endings; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D018019:Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000378:metabolism*
D018019:Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens