Chronic stress is a risk factor for depression, and chronic stress can induce cognitive impairments associated with prefrontal cortical dysfunction, which are also major components of depression. We have previously shown that 5-weeks of chronic intermittent cold (CIC) stress induced a reversal learning deficit in rats, associated with reduced serotonergic transmission in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), that was restored by chronic treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). However, the mechanisms underlying the beneficial cognitive effects of chronic SSRI treatment are currently unknown. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential modulatory influence specifically of 5-HT2A-receptors in the OFC on reversal learning, and their potential contribution to the beneficial cognitive effects of chronic SSRI treatment. Bilateral microinjections of the selective 5-HT2A-receptor antagonist, MDL 100,907 into OFC (0.02–2.0 nmoles) had a dose-dependent detrimental effect on a reversal learning task, suggesting a facilitatory influence of 5-HT2A-receptors in the OFC. In the next experiment, rats were exposed to 5-weeks of CIC stress, which compromised reversal learning, and treated chronically with the SSRI, citalopram (20 mg/kg/day) during the final 3 weeks of chronic stress. Chronic CIT treatment improved reversal learning in the CIC-stressed rats, and bilateral microinjection of MDL 100,907 (0.20 nmoles, the optimal dose from the preceding experiment) into OFC once again had a detrimental effect on reversal learning, opposing the beneficial effect of citalopram. We conclude that 5-HT2A-receptors in the OFC facilitate reversal learning, and potentially contribute to the beneficial cognitive effects of chronic SSRI treatment.
Considerable gap in knowledge exists about the mechanisms by which oral tumors regulate peripheral sensory fibers to produce pain and altered sensations. To address this gap, we used a murine model of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) of the tongue to investigate changes in response properties of trigeminal afferent neurons. Using this model, we developed an ex vivo method for single neuron recordings of the lingual nerve from isolated tongue tissue. Our data demonstrated that the tongue tumor produced increased spontaneous firing of lingual fibers compared to control as well as produced mechanical hypersensitivity and reduced von Frey thresholds of C- and A-slow-high-threshold mechanoreceptors (HTMR) fibers but had no effect on C-LTMR, A-slow-LTMR and A-fast lingual fibers. Mechanically-insensitive fibers were also detected in lingual afferents of the control group, that were significantly decreased in tumor-bearing preparations. Collectively, using single fiber electrophysiology of lingual sensory fibers, we show that human OSCC tumors sensitize peripheral trigeminal nerve terminals, providing a unique opportunity to study mechanisms of oral cancer pain.
Chronic pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide 1 and commonly associated with comorbid disorders 2 . However, the role of diet in chronic pain is poorly understood. Of particular interest is the Western-style diet, enriched with ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that accumulate in membrane phospholipids and oxidize into pronociceptive oxylipins 3 , 4 . Here we report that mice administered a ω-6 PUFA-enriched diet develop persistent nociceptive hypersensitivities, spontaneously-active and hyper-responsive glabrous afferent fibers, and histologic markers of peripheral nerve damage reminiscent of a peripheral neuropathy. Linoleic and arachidonic acids accumulate in lumbar dorsal root ganglia, with increased liberation via elevated PLA2 activity. Pharmacological and molecular inhibition of PLA2g7 or diet reversal with high ω-3 PUFAs attenuate nociceptive behaviors, neurophysiologic abnormalities, and afferent histopathology induced by high ω-6 intake. Additionally, ω-6 PUFA accumulation exacerbates allodynia observed in preclinical inflammatory and neuropathic pain models, and is strongly correlated with multiple pain indices of clinical diabetic neuropathy. Collectively, these data reveal dietary enrichment with ω-6 PUFAs as a novel etiology of peripheral neuropathy and risk factor for chronic pain, and implicate multiple therapeutic considerations for clinical pain management.
Introduction: Comprehensive mRNA sequencing is a powerful tool for conducting unbiased, quantitative differential gene expression analysis. However, the reliability of these data is contingent on the extraction of high-quality RNA from samples. Preserving RNA integrity during extraction can be problematic, especially in tissues such as skin with dense, connective matrices and elevated ribonuclease expression. This is a major barrier to understanding the influences of altered gene expression in many preclinical pain models and clinical pain disorders where skin is the site of tissue injury. Objective: This study developed and evaluated extraction protocols for skin and other tissues to maximize recovery of high-integrity RNA needed for quantitative mRNA sequencing. Methods: Rodent and human tissue samples underwent one of the several different protocols that combined either RNA-stabilizing solution or snap-freezing with bead milling or cryosectioning. Indices of RNA integrity and purity were assessed for all samples. Results: Extraction of high-integrity RNA is highly dependent on the methods used. Bead-milling skin collected in RNA-stabilizing solution resulted in extensive RNA degradation. Snap-freezing in liquid nitrogen was required for skin and highly preferable for other tissues. Skin also required cryosectioning to achieve effective penetration of RNA-stabilizing solution to preserve RNA integrity, whereas bead milling could be used instead with other tissues. Each method was reproducible across multiple experimenters. Electrophoretic anomalies that skewed RNA integrity value assignment required manual correction and often resulted in score reduction. Conclusion: To achieve the potential of quantitative differential gene expression analysis requires verification of tissue-dependent extraction methods that yield high-integrity RNA.
Women describe a loss of autonomy during childbirth as a contributing factor to labor dissatisfaction. Shared decision-making with choice, option, and decision talk may improve satisfaction. Nurses (n = 29) received education on supporting women's autonomy with a standardized communication tool (SUPPORT) to facilitate shared decision-making and create an evolving birth plan. This quasi-experimental pre-/post-test design evaluated participant responses to the education module. Participants supported the use of the SUPPORT tool for shared decision-making and developing evolving birth plans. Most recommended initiation between 13- and 26-weeks' gestation. Nurses' willingness to advocate for women's autonomy increased significantly after education (p = .022). Shared decision-making with standardized perinatal communication may support a woman's perinatal education and her satisfaction with labor.
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