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Molecular Pain
Published in: Molecular Pain 1/2011

Open Access 01-12-2011 | Research

Co-induction of cyclooxyenase-2 and early growth response gene (Egr-1) in spinal cord in a clinical model of persistent inflammation and hyperalgesia

Authors: Sharron Dolan, Peter Hastie, Claire Crossan, Andrea M Nolan

Published in: Molecular Pain | Issue 1/2011

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Abstract

Background

This study characterised the effects of persistent peripheral inflammation of the foot on pain and spinal cord expression of cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 (COX-1 and COX-2) and early growth response gene 1 (Egr-1), known markers of neuronal plasticity, in a clinical model of naturally-occurring inflammatory disease and hyperalgesia in sheep ('footrot'), before and after routine treatment (parenteral treatment with antibiotics and antiseptic footbathing). The temporal pattern of expression of COX-1, COX-2 and Egr-1 mRNA and protein were analysed using real-time PCR and Western blotting.

Results

Animals affected with persistent peripheral inflammation displayed significant hyperalgesia and lameness (a proxy indicator of spontaneous pain) restricted to the inflamed limb. Hyperalgesia and lameness were significantly attenuated 1 day after treatment, and resolved further by day 7 and day 3, respectively. COX-2 but not COX-1, protein expression was up-regulated in spinal cord from lame animals on day 0, before treatment. Following treatment and attenuation of pain behaviours, levels of COX-2 returned to control levels. Significant induction of Egr-1 mRNA and protein were observed in spinal cord from lame animals. Three days after treatment, levels of Egr-1 mRNA returned to control levels, however, Egr-1 protein remained elevated.

Conclusion

Elevated levels of spinal COX-2 and Egr-1 protein correlate with the presence of pain and hyperalgesia, and may underlie persistent pain, although a direct causal link has still to be established. Understanding the temporal pattern of expression of key mediators in clinical pain states may lead to better strategies to manage pain.
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Metadata
Title
Co-induction of cyclooxyenase-2 and early growth response gene (Egr-1) in spinal cord in a clinical model of persistent inflammation and hyperalgesia
Authors
Sharron Dolan
Peter Hastie
Claire Crossan
Andrea M Nolan
Publication date
01-12-2011
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Molecular Pain / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1744-8069
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1744-8069-7-91

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