P2X(3) expression is not altered by lingual nerve injury.
We have investigated a possible role for the ATP receptor subunit P2X(3), in the development of neuropathic pain following injury to a peripheral branch of the trigeminal nerve. In nine anaesthetised adult ferrets the left lingual nerve was sectioned and recovery permitted for 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months (3 ferrets per group). A retrograde tracer, fluorogold, was applied to the nerve to allow identification of cell bodies in the trigeminal ganglion with axons in the injured nerve. Indirect immunofluorescence for P2X(3) and image analysis was used to quantify the percentage area of staining at the site of injury. Additionally, the proportion of fluorogold-positive cells that expressed P2X(3) was determined and compared with expression in non-fluorogold containing cells in another part of the ganglion. Comparisons were made with results from control animals that only received the tracer injection. After lingual nerve injury there was no significant change in P2X(3) expression at the site of nerve injury or within cell bodies linked to either injured (lingual) or uninjured (ophthalmic) axons, at any of the time periods investigated. Overall, this study suggests that P2X(3) expression at these sites is not involved in the development of neuropathic pain following lingual nerve injury.
Biggs
James E
JE
Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, UK. jbiggs@pmcol.ualberta.ca <jbiggs@pmcol.ualberta.ca>
Yates
Julian M
JM
Loescher
Alison R
AR
Clayton
Nick M
NM
Robinson
Peter P
PP
Boissonade
Fiona M
FM
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005289:Ferrets; D007839:Functional Laterality; D008036:Lingual Nerve / Q000378:metabolism*; D061222:Lingual Nerve Injuries; D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D058477:Receptors, Purinergic P2X3; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D013266:Stilbamidines; D013997:Time Factors
C049774:2-hydroxy-4,4'-diamidinostilbene, methanesulfonate salt; D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2; D058477:Receptors, Purinergic P2X3; D013266:Stilbamidines