Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Molecular Pain 1/2007

Open Access 01-12-2007 | Review

p38 MAPK, microglial signaling, and neuropathic pain

Authors: Ru-Rong Ji, Marc R Suter

Published in: Molecular Pain | Issue 1/2007

Login to get access

Abstract

Accumulating evidence over last several years indicates an important role of microglial cells in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. Signal transduction in microglia under chronic pain states has begun to be revealed. We will review the evidence that p38 MAPK is activated in spinal microglia after nerve injury and contributes importantly to neuropathic pain development and maintenance. We will discuss the upstream mechanisms causing p38 activation in spinal microglia after nerve injury. We will also discuss the downstream mechanisms by which p38 produces inflammatory mediators. Taken together, current data suggest that p38 plays a critical role in microglial signaling under neuropathic pain conditions and represents a valuable therapeutic target for neuropathic pain management.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
1.
go back to reference Ji RR, Strichartz G: Cell signaling and the genesis of neuropathic pain. Sci STKE 2004, 2004: reE14.PubMed Ji RR, Strichartz G: Cell signaling and the genesis of neuropathic pain. Sci STKE 2004, 2004: reE14.PubMed
2.
go back to reference Kehlet H, Jensen TS, Woolf CJ: Persistent postsurgical pain: risk factors and prevention. Lancet 2006, 367: 1618–1625. 10.1016/S0140-6736(06)68700-XPubMedCrossRef Kehlet H, Jensen TS, Woolf CJ: Persistent postsurgical pain: risk factors and prevention. Lancet 2006, 367: 1618–1625. 10.1016/S0140-6736(06)68700-XPubMedCrossRef
3.
go back to reference Woolf CJ, Mannion RJ: Neuropathic pain: aetiology, symptoms, mechanisms, and management. Lancet 1999, 353: 1959–1964. 10.1016/S0140-6736(99)01307-0PubMedCrossRef Woolf CJ, Mannion RJ: Neuropathic pain: aetiology, symptoms, mechanisms, and management. Lancet 1999, 353: 1959–1964. 10.1016/S0140-6736(99)01307-0PubMedCrossRef
4.
go back to reference Devor M, Seltzer Z: Pathophysiology of damaged nerves in relation to chronic pain. In Textbook of Pain. Volume 5. 4th edition. Edited by: Wall PD and Melzack R. Edinburgh, Churchill Livingstone; 1999:129–164. Devor M, Seltzer Z: Pathophysiology of damaged nerves in relation to chronic pain. In Textbook of Pain. Volume 5. 4th edition. Edited by: Wall PD and Melzack R. Edinburgh, Churchill Livingstone; 1999:129–164.
5.
go back to reference Ma C, Shu Y, Zheng Z, Chen Y, Yao H, Greenquist KW, White FA, LaMotte RH: Similar electrophysiological changes in axotomized and neighboring intact dorsal root ganglion neurons. J Neurophysiol 2003, 89: 1588–1602. 10.1152/jn.00855.2002PubMedCrossRef Ma C, Shu Y, Zheng Z, Chen Y, Yao H, Greenquist KW, White FA, LaMotte RH: Similar electrophysiological changes in axotomized and neighboring intact dorsal root ganglion neurons. J Neurophysiol 2003, 89: 1588–1602. 10.1152/jn.00855.2002PubMedCrossRef
6.
go back to reference Wu G, Ringkamp M, Hartke TV, Murinson BB, Campbell JN, Griffin JW, Meyer RA: Early onset of spontaneous activity in uninjured C-fiber nociceptors after injury to neighboring nerve fibers. J Neurosci 2001, 21: RC140.PubMed Wu G, Ringkamp M, Hartke TV, Murinson BB, Campbell JN, Griffin JW, Meyer RA: Early onset of spontaneous activity in uninjured C-fiber nociceptors after injury to neighboring nerve fibers. J Neurosci 2001, 21: RC140.PubMed
7.
go back to reference Woolf CJ, Salter MW: Neuronal plasticity: increasing the gain in pain. Science 2000, 288: 1765–1769. 10.1126/science.288.5472.1765PubMedCrossRef Woolf CJ, Salter MW: Neuronal plasticity: increasing the gain in pain. Science 2000, 288: 1765–1769. 10.1126/science.288.5472.1765PubMedCrossRef
8.
go back to reference Ji RR, Kohno T, Moore KA, Woolf CJ: Central sensitization and LTP: do pain and memory share similar mechanisms? Trends Neurosci 2003, 26: 696–705. 10.1016/j.tins.2003.09.017PubMedCrossRef Ji RR, Kohno T, Moore KA, Woolf CJ: Central sensitization and LTP: do pain and memory share similar mechanisms? Trends Neurosci 2003, 26: 696–705. 10.1016/j.tins.2003.09.017PubMedCrossRef
9.
go back to reference Coull JA, Boudreau D, Bachand K, Prescott SA, Nault F, Sik A, De Koninck P, De Koninck Y: Trans-synaptic shift in anion gradient in spinal lamina I neurons as a mechanism of neuropathic pain. Nature 2003, 424: 938–942. 10.1038/nature01868PubMedCrossRef Coull JA, Boudreau D, Bachand K, Prescott SA, Nault F, Sik A, De Koninck P, De Koninck Y: Trans-synaptic shift in anion gradient in spinal lamina I neurons as a mechanism of neuropathic pain. Nature 2003, 424: 938–942. 10.1038/nature01868PubMedCrossRef
10.
go back to reference Porreca F, Ossipov MH, Gebhart GF: Chronic pain and medullary descending facilitation. Trends Neurosci 2002, 25: 319–325. 10.1016/S0166-2236(02)02157-4PubMedCrossRef Porreca F, Ossipov MH, Gebhart GF: Chronic pain and medullary descending facilitation. Trends Neurosci 2002, 25: 319–325. 10.1016/S0166-2236(02)02157-4PubMedCrossRef
12.
go back to reference Hanisch UK: Microglia as a source and target of cytokines. Glia 2002, 40: 140–155. 10.1002/glia.10161PubMedCrossRef Hanisch UK: Microglia as a source and target of cytokines. Glia 2002, 40: 140–155. 10.1002/glia.10161PubMedCrossRef
13.
go back to reference Tsuda M, Inoue K, Salter MW: Neuropathic pain and spinal microglia: a big problem from molecules in "small" glia. Trends Neurosci 2005, 28: 101–107. 10.1016/j.tins.2004.12.002PubMedCrossRef Tsuda M, Inoue K, Salter MW: Neuropathic pain and spinal microglia: a big problem from molecules in "small" glia. Trends Neurosci 2005, 28: 101–107. 10.1016/j.tins.2004.12.002PubMedCrossRef
14.
go back to reference Coull JA, Beggs S, Boudreau D, Boivin D, Tsuda M, Inoue K, Gravel C, Salter MW, De Koninck Y: BDNF from microglia causes the shift in neuronal anion gradient underlying neuropathic pain. Nature 2005, 438: 1017–1021. 10.1038/nature04223PubMedCrossRef Coull JA, Beggs S, Boudreau D, Boivin D, Tsuda M, Inoue K, Gravel C, Salter MW, De Koninck Y: BDNF from microglia causes the shift in neuronal anion gradient underlying neuropathic pain. Nature 2005, 438: 1017–1021. 10.1038/nature04223PubMedCrossRef
15.
go back to reference Watkins LR, Milligan ED, Maier SF: Glial activation: a driving force for pathological pain. Trends Neurosci 2001, 24: 450–455. 10.1016/S0166-2236(00)01854-3PubMedCrossRef Watkins LR, Milligan ED, Maier SF: Glial activation: a driving force for pathological pain. Trends Neurosci 2001, 24: 450–455. 10.1016/S0166-2236(00)01854-3PubMedCrossRef
16.
go back to reference DeLeo JA, Yezierski RP: The role of neuroinflammation and neuroimmune activation in persistent pain. Pain 2001, 90: 1–6. 10.1016/S0304-3959(00)00490-5PubMedCrossRef DeLeo JA, Yezierski RP: The role of neuroinflammation and neuroimmune activation in persistent pain. Pain 2001, 90: 1–6. 10.1016/S0304-3959(00)00490-5PubMedCrossRef
17.
go back to reference Marchand F, Perretti M, McMahon SB: Role of the immune system in chronic pain. Nat Rev Neurosci 2005, 6: 521–532. 10.1038/nrn1700PubMedCrossRef Marchand F, Perretti M, McMahon SB: Role of the immune system in chronic pain. Nat Rev Neurosci 2005, 6: 521–532. 10.1038/nrn1700PubMedCrossRef
18.
go back to reference Garrison CJ, Dougherty PM, Kajander KC, Carlton SM: Staining of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in lumbar spinal cord increases following a sciatic nerve constriction injury. Brain Res 1991, 565: 1–7. 10.1016/0006-8993(91)91729-KPubMedCrossRef Garrison CJ, Dougherty PM, Kajander KC, Carlton SM: Staining of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in lumbar spinal cord increases following a sciatic nerve constriction injury. Brain Res 1991, 565: 1–7. 10.1016/0006-8993(91)91729-KPubMedCrossRef
19.
go back to reference Watkins LR, Martin D, Ulrich P, Tracey KJ, Maier SF: Evidence for the involvement of spinal cord glia in subcutaneous formalin induced hyperalgesia in the rat. Pain 1997, 71: 225–235. 10.1016/S0304-3959(97)03369-1PubMedCrossRef Watkins LR, Martin D, Ulrich P, Tracey KJ, Maier SF: Evidence for the involvement of spinal cord glia in subcutaneous formalin induced hyperalgesia in the rat. Pain 1997, 71: 225–235. 10.1016/S0304-3959(97)03369-1PubMedCrossRef
20.
go back to reference Meller ST, Dykstra C, Grzybycki D, Murphy S, Gebhart GF: The possible role of glia in nociceptive processing and hyperalgesia in the spinal cord of the rat. Neuropharmacology 1994, 33: 1471–1478. 10.1016/0028-3908(94)90051-5PubMedCrossRef Meller ST, Dykstra C, Grzybycki D, Murphy S, Gebhart GF: The possible role of glia in nociceptive processing and hyperalgesia in the spinal cord of the rat. Neuropharmacology 1994, 33: 1471–1478. 10.1016/0028-3908(94)90051-5PubMedCrossRef
21.
go back to reference Sweitzer SM, Schubert P, DeLeo JA: Propentofylline, a glial modulating agent, exhibits antiallodynic properties in a rat model of neuropathic pain. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2001, 297: 1210–1217.PubMed Sweitzer SM, Schubert P, DeLeo JA: Propentofylline, a glial modulating agent, exhibits antiallodynic properties in a rat model of neuropathic pain. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2001, 297: 1210–1217.PubMed
22.
go back to reference Griffin RS, Costigan M, Brenner GJ, Ma CH, Scholz J, Moss A, Allchorne AJ, Stahl GL, Woolf CJ: Complement induction in spinal cord microglia results in anaphylatoxin C5a-mediated pain hypersensitivity. J Neurosci 2007, 27: 8699–8708. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2018-07.2007PubMedCrossRef Griffin RS, Costigan M, Brenner GJ, Ma CH, Scholz J, Moss A, Allchorne AJ, Stahl GL, Woolf CJ: Complement induction in spinal cord microglia results in anaphylatoxin C5a-mediated pain hypersensitivity. J Neurosci 2007, 27: 8699–8708. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2018-07.2007PubMedCrossRef
23.
go back to reference Echeverry S, Shi XQ, Zhang J: Characterization of cell proliferation in rat spinal cord following peripheral nerve injury and the relationship with neuropathic pain. Pain 2007. Echeverry S, Shi XQ, Zhang J: Characterization of cell proliferation in rat spinal cord following peripheral nerve injury and the relationship with neuropathic pain. Pain 2007.
24.
go back to reference Tsuda M, Shigemoto-Mogami Y, Koizumi S, Mizokoshi A, Kohsaka S, Salter MW, Inoue K: P2X4 receptors induced in spinal microglia gate tactile allodynia after nerve injury. Nature 2003, 424: 778–783. 10.1038/nature01786PubMedCrossRef Tsuda M, Shigemoto-Mogami Y, Koizumi S, Mizokoshi A, Kohsaka S, Salter MW, Inoue K: P2X4 receptors induced in spinal microglia gate tactile allodynia after nerve injury. Nature 2003, 424: 778–783. 10.1038/nature01786PubMedCrossRef
25.
go back to reference Verge GM, Milligan ED, Maier SF, Watkins LR, Naeve GS, Foster AC: Fractalkine (CX3CL1) and fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1) distribution in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia under basal and neuropathic pain conditions. Eur J Neurosci 2004, 20: 1150–1160. 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2004.03593.xPubMedCrossRef Verge GM, Milligan ED, Maier SF, Watkins LR, Naeve GS, Foster AC: Fractalkine (CX3CL1) and fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1) distribution in spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia under basal and neuropathic pain conditions. Eur J Neurosci 2004, 20: 1150–1160. 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2004.03593.xPubMedCrossRef
26.
go back to reference Zhuang ZY, Kawasaki Y, Tan PH, Wen YR, Huang J, Ji RR: Role of the CX3CR1/p38 MAPK pathway in spinal microglia for the development of neuropathic pain following nerve injury-induced cleavage of fractalkine. Brain Behav Immun 2007, 21: 642–651. 10.1016/j.bbi.2006.11.003PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef Zhuang ZY, Kawasaki Y, Tan PH, Wen YR, Huang J, Ji RR: Role of the CX3CR1/p38 MAPK pathway in spinal microglia for the development of neuropathic pain following nerve injury-induced cleavage of fractalkine. Brain Behav Immun 2007, 21: 642–651. 10.1016/j.bbi.2006.11.003PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef
27.
go back to reference Abbadie C, Lindia JA, Cumiskey AM, Peterson LB, Mudgett JS, Bayne EK, DeMartino JA, MacIntyre DE, Forrest MJ: Impaired neuropathic pain responses in mice lacking the chemokine receptor CCR2. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003, 100: 7947–7952. 10.1073/pnas.1331358100PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef Abbadie C, Lindia JA, Cumiskey AM, Peterson LB, Mudgett JS, Bayne EK, DeMartino JA, MacIntyre DE, Forrest MJ: Impaired neuropathic pain responses in mice lacking the chemokine receptor CCR2. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003, 100: 7947–7952. 10.1073/pnas.1331358100PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef
28.
go back to reference Tanga FY, Nutile-McMenemy N, DeLeo JA: The CNS role of Toll-like receptor 4 in innate neuroimmunity and painful neuropathy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005, 102: 5856–5861. 10.1073/pnas.0501634102PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef Tanga FY, Nutile-McMenemy N, DeLeo JA: The CNS role of Toll-like receptor 4 in innate neuroimmunity and painful neuropathy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005, 102: 5856–5861. 10.1073/pnas.0501634102PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef
29.
go back to reference Raghavendra V, Tanga F, DeLeo JA: Inhibition of microglial activation attenuates the development but not existing hypersensitivity in a rat model of neuropathy. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2003, 306: 624–630. 10.1124/jpet.103.052407PubMedCrossRef Raghavendra V, Tanga F, DeLeo JA: Inhibition of microglial activation attenuates the development but not existing hypersensitivity in a rat model of neuropathy. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2003, 306: 624–630. 10.1124/jpet.103.052407PubMedCrossRef
30.
go back to reference Ledeboer A, Sloane EM, Milligan ED, Frank MG, Mahony JH, Maier SF, Watkins LR: Minocycline attenuates mechanical allodynia and proinflammatory cytokine expression in rat models of pain facilitation. Pain 2005, 115: 71–83. 10.1016/j.pain.2005.02.009PubMedCrossRef Ledeboer A, Sloane EM, Milligan ED, Frank MG, Mahony JH, Maier SF, Watkins LR: Minocycline attenuates mechanical allodynia and proinflammatory cytokine expression in rat models of pain facilitation. Pain 2005, 115: 71–83. 10.1016/j.pain.2005.02.009PubMedCrossRef
31.
go back to reference Kumar S, Boehm J, Lee JC: p38 MAP kinases: key signalling molecules as therapeutic targets for inflammatory diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2003, 2: 717–726. 10.1038/nrd1177PubMedCrossRef Kumar S, Boehm J, Lee JC: p38 MAP kinases: key signalling molecules as therapeutic targets for inflammatory diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2003, 2: 717–726. 10.1038/nrd1177PubMedCrossRef
32.
go back to reference Ji RR, Woolf CJ: Neuronal plasticity and signal transduction in nociceptive neurons: implications for the initiation and maintenance of pathological pain. Neurobiol Dis 2001, 8: 1–10. 10.1006/nbdi.2000.0360PubMedCrossRef Ji RR, Woolf CJ: Neuronal plasticity and signal transduction in nociceptive neurons: implications for the initiation and maintenance of pathological pain. Neurobiol Dis 2001, 8: 1–10. 10.1006/nbdi.2000.0360PubMedCrossRef
33.
go back to reference Ji RR, Samad TA, Jin SX, Schmoll R, Woolf CJ: p38 MAPK activation by NGF in primary sensory neurons after inflammation increases TRPV1 levels and maintains heat hyperalgesia. Neuron 2002, 36: 57–68. 10.1016/S0896-6273(02)00908-XPubMedCrossRef Ji RR, Samad TA, Jin SX, Schmoll R, Woolf CJ: p38 MAPK activation by NGF in primary sensory neurons after inflammation increases TRPV1 levels and maintains heat hyperalgesia. Neuron 2002, 36: 57–68. 10.1016/S0896-6273(02)00908-XPubMedCrossRef
34.
go back to reference Jin SX, Zhuang ZY, Woolf CJ, Ji RR: p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase is activated after a spinal nerve ligation in spinal cord microglia and dorsal root ganglion neurons and contributes to the generation of neuropathic pain. J Neurosci 2003, 23: 4017–4022.PubMed Jin SX, Zhuang ZY, Woolf CJ, Ji RR: p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase is activated after a spinal nerve ligation in spinal cord microglia and dorsal root ganglion neurons and contributes to the generation of neuropathic pain. J Neurosci 2003, 23: 4017–4022.PubMed
35.
go back to reference Tsuda M, Mizokoshi A, Shigemoto-Mogami Y, Koizumi S, Inoue K: Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in spinal hyperactive microglia contributes to pain hypersensitivity following peripheral nerve injury. Glia 2004, 45: 89–95. 10.1002/glia.10308PubMedCrossRef Tsuda M, Mizokoshi A, Shigemoto-Mogami Y, Koizumi S, Inoue K: Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in spinal hyperactive microglia contributes to pain hypersensitivity following peripheral nerve injury. Glia 2004, 45: 89–95. 10.1002/glia.10308PubMedCrossRef
36.
go back to reference Svensson CI, Schafers M, Jones TL, Powell H, Sorkin LS: Spinal blockade of TNF blocks spinal nerve ligation-induced increases in spinal P-p38. Neurosci Lett 2005, 379: 209–213. 10.1016/j.neulet.2004.12.064PubMedCrossRef Svensson CI, Schafers M, Jones TL, Powell H, Sorkin LS: Spinal blockade of TNF blocks spinal nerve ligation-induced increases in spinal P-p38. Neurosci Lett 2005, 379: 209–213. 10.1016/j.neulet.2004.12.064PubMedCrossRef
37.
go back to reference Katsura H, Obata K, Mizushima T, Sakurai J, Kobayashi K, Yamanaka H, Dai Y, Fukuoka T, Sakagami M, Noguchi K: Activation of Src-family kinases in spinal microglia contributes to mechanical hypersensitivity after nerve injury. J Neurosci 2006, 26: 8680–8690. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1771-06.2006PubMedCrossRef Katsura H, Obata K, Mizushima T, Sakurai J, Kobayashi K, Yamanaka H, Dai Y, Fukuoka T, Sakagami M, Noguchi K: Activation of Src-family kinases in spinal microglia contributes to mechanical hypersensitivity after nerve injury. J Neurosci 2006, 26: 8680–8690. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1771-06.2006PubMedCrossRef
38.
go back to reference Wen YR, Suter MR, Kawasaki Y, Huang J, Pertin M, Kohno T, Berde CB, Decosterd I, Ji RR: Nerve Conduction Blockade in the Sciatic Nerve Prevents but Does Not Reverse the Activation of p38 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase in Spinal Microglia in the Rat Spared Nerve Injury Model. Anesthesiology 2007, 107: 312–321. 10.1097/01.anes.0000270759.11086.e7PubMedCrossRef Wen YR, Suter MR, Kawasaki Y, Huang J, Pertin M, Kohno T, Berde CB, Decosterd I, Ji RR: Nerve Conduction Blockade in the Sciatic Nerve Prevents but Does Not Reverse the Activation of p38 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase in Spinal Microglia in the Rat Spared Nerve Injury Model. Anesthesiology 2007, 107: 312–321. 10.1097/01.anes.0000270759.11086.e7PubMedCrossRef
39.
go back to reference Xu JT, Xin WJ, Wei XH, Wu CY, Ge YX, Liu YL, Zang Y, Zhang T, Li YY, Liu XG: p38 activation in uninjured primary afferent neurons and in spinal microglia contributes to the development of neuropathic pain induced by selective motor fiber injury. Exp Neurol 2007, 204: 355–365. 10.1016/j.expneurol.2006.11.016PubMedCrossRef Xu JT, Xin WJ, Wei XH, Wu CY, Ge YX, Liu YL, Zang Y, Zhang T, Li YY, Liu XG: p38 activation in uninjured primary afferent neurons and in spinal microglia contributes to the development of neuropathic pain induced by selective motor fiber injury. Exp Neurol 2007, 204: 355–365. 10.1016/j.expneurol.2006.11.016PubMedCrossRef
40.
go back to reference Hains BC, Waxman SG: Activated microglia contribute to the maintenance of chronic pain after spinal cord injury. J Neurosci 2006, 26: 4308–4317. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0003-06.2006PubMedCrossRef Hains BC, Waxman SG: Activated microglia contribute to the maintenance of chronic pain after spinal cord injury. J Neurosci 2006, 26: 4308–4317. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0003-06.2006PubMedCrossRef
41.
go back to reference Boyle DL, Jones TL, Hammaker D, Svensson CI, Rosengren S, Albani S, Sorkin L, Firestein GS: Regulation of peripheral inflammation by spinal p38 MAP kinase in rats. PLoS Med 2006, 3: e338. 10.1371/journal.pmed.0030338PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef Boyle DL, Jones TL, Hammaker D, Svensson CI, Rosengren S, Albani S, Sorkin L, Firestein GS: Regulation of peripheral inflammation by spinal p38 MAP kinase in rats. PLoS Med 2006, 3: e338. 10.1371/journal.pmed.0030338PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef
42.
go back to reference Cui Y, Chen Y, Zhi JL, Guo RX, Feng JQ, Chen PX: Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in spinal microglia mediates morphine antinociceptive tolerance. Brain Res 2006, 1069: 235–243. 10.1016/j.brainres.2005.11.066PubMedCrossRef Cui Y, Chen Y, Zhi JL, Guo RX, Feng JQ, Chen PX: Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in spinal microglia mediates morphine antinociceptive tolerance. Brain Res 2006, 1069: 235–243. 10.1016/j.brainres.2005.11.066PubMedCrossRef
43.
go back to reference Zhuang ZY, Wen YR, Zhang DR, Borsello T, Bonny C, Strichartz GR, Decosterd I, Ji RR: A peptide c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor blocks mechanical allodynia after spinal nerve ligation: respective roles of JNK activation in primary sensory neurons and spinal astrocytes for neuropathic pain development and maintenance. J Neurosci 2006, 26: 3551–3560. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5290-05.2006PubMedCrossRef Zhuang ZY, Wen YR, Zhang DR, Borsello T, Bonny C, Strichartz GR, Decosterd I, Ji RR: A peptide c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor blocks mechanical allodynia after spinal nerve ligation: respective roles of JNK activation in primary sensory neurons and spinal astrocytes for neuropathic pain development and maintenance. J Neurosci 2006, 26: 3551–3560. 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5290-05.2006PubMedCrossRef
44.
go back to reference Milligan ED, Twining C, Chacur M, Biedenkapp J, O'Connor K, Poole S, Tracey K, Martin D, Maier SF, Watkins LR: Spinal glia and proinflammatory cytokines mediate mirror-image neuropathic pain in rats. J Neurosci 2003, 23: 1026–1040.PubMed Milligan ED, Twining C, Chacur M, Biedenkapp J, O'Connor K, Poole S, Tracey K, Martin D, Maier SF, Watkins LR: Spinal glia and proinflammatory cytokines mediate mirror-image neuropathic pain in rats. J Neurosci 2003, 23: 1026–1040.PubMed
45.
go back to reference Schafers M, Svensson CI, Sommer C, Sorkin LS: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha induces mechanical allodynia after spinal nerve ligation by activation of p38 MAPK in primary sensory neurons. J Neurosci 2003, 23: 2517–2521.PubMed Schafers M, Svensson CI, Sommer C, Sorkin LS: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha induces mechanical allodynia after spinal nerve ligation by activation of p38 MAPK in primary sensory neurons. J Neurosci 2003, 23: 2517–2521.PubMed
46.
go back to reference Sweitzer SM, Medicherla S, Almirez R, Dugar S, Chakravarty S, Shumilla JA, Yeomans DC, Protter AA: Antinociceptive action of a p38alpha MAPK inhibitor, SD-282, in a diabetic neuropathy model. Pain 2004, 109: 409–419. 10.1016/j.pain.2004.02.016PubMedCrossRef Sweitzer SM, Medicherla S, Almirez R, Dugar S, Chakravarty S, Shumilla JA, Yeomans DC, Protter AA: Antinociceptive action of a p38alpha MAPK inhibitor, SD-282, in a diabetic neuropathy model. Pain 2004, 109: 409–419. 10.1016/j.pain.2004.02.016PubMedCrossRef
47.
go back to reference Tawfik VL, Nutile-McMenemy N, Lacroix-Fralish ML, DeLeo JA: Efficacy of propentofylline, a glial modulating agent, on existing mechanical allodynia following peripheral nerve injury. Brain Behav Immun 2007, 21: 238–246. 10.1016/j.bbi.2006.07.001PubMedCrossRef Tawfik VL, Nutile-McMenemy N, Lacroix-Fralish ML, DeLeo JA: Efficacy of propentofylline, a glial modulating agent, on existing mechanical allodynia following peripheral nerve injury. Brain Behav Immun 2007, 21: 238–246. 10.1016/j.bbi.2006.07.001PubMedCrossRef
48.
go back to reference Zhang J, De Koninck Y: Spatial and temporal relationship between monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression and spinal glial activation following peripheral nerve injury. J Neurochem 2006, 97: 772–783. 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.03746.xPubMedCrossRef Zhang J, De Koninck Y: Spatial and temporal relationship between monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression and spinal glial activation following peripheral nerve injury. J Neurochem 2006, 97: 772–783. 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.03746.xPubMedCrossRef
49.
go back to reference Svensson CI, Fitzsimmons B, Azizi S, Powell HC, Hua XY, Yaksh TL: Spinal p38beta isoform mediates tissue injury-induced hyperalgesia and spinal sensitization. J Neurochem 2005, 92: 1508–1520. 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2004.02996.xPubMedCrossRef Svensson CI, Fitzsimmons B, Azizi S, Powell HC, Hua XY, Yaksh TL: Spinal p38beta isoform mediates tissue injury-induced hyperalgesia and spinal sensitization. J Neurochem 2005, 92: 1508–1520. 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2004.02996.xPubMedCrossRef
50.
go back to reference Svensson CI, Marsala M, Westerlund A, Calcutt NA, Campana WM, Freshwater JD, Catalano R, Feng Y, Protter AA, Scott B, Yaksh TL: Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in spinal microglia is a critical link in inflammation-induced spinal pain processing. J Neurochem 2003, 86: 1534–1544. 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2003.01969.xPubMedCrossRef Svensson CI, Marsala M, Westerlund A, Calcutt NA, Campana WM, Freshwater JD, Catalano R, Feng Y, Protter AA, Scott B, Yaksh TL: Activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in spinal microglia is a critical link in inflammation-induced spinal pain processing. J Neurochem 2003, 86: 1534–1544. 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2003.01969.xPubMedCrossRef
51.
go back to reference Sung CS, Wen ZH, Chang WK, Chan KH, Ho ST, Tsai SK, Chang YC, Wong CS: Inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase attenuates interleukin-1beta-induced thermal hyperalgesia and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in the spinal cord. J Neurochem 2005, 94: 742–752. 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2005.03226.xPubMedCrossRef Sung CS, Wen ZH, Chang WK, Chan KH, Ho ST, Tsai SK, Chang YC, Wong CS: Inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase attenuates interleukin-1beta-induced thermal hyperalgesia and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in the spinal cord. J Neurochem 2005, 94: 742–752. 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2005.03226.xPubMedCrossRef
52.
go back to reference White FA, Sun J, Waters SM, Ma C, Ren D, Ripsch M, Steflik J, Cortright DN, LaMotte RH, Miller RJ: Excitatory monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 signaling is up-regulated in sensory neurons after chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005, 102: 14092–14097. 10.1073/pnas.0503496102PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef White FA, Sun J, Waters SM, Ma C, Ren D, Ripsch M, Steflik J, Cortright DN, LaMotte RH, Miller RJ: Excitatory monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 signaling is up-regulated in sensory neurons after chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005, 102: 14092–14097. 10.1073/pnas.0503496102PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef
53.
go back to reference Clark AK, Yip PK, Grist J, Gentry C, Staniland AA, Marchand F, Dehvari M, Wotherspoon G, Winter J, Ullah J, Bevan S, Malcangio M: Inhibition of spinal microglial cathepsin S for the reversal of neuropathic pain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007. Clark AK, Yip PK, Grist J, Gentry C, Staniland AA, Marchand F, Dehvari M, Wotherspoon G, Winter J, Ullah J, Bevan S, Malcangio M: Inhibition of spinal microglial cathepsin S for the reversal of neuropathic pain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007.
54.
go back to reference Winkelstein BA, Rutkowski MD, Sweitzer SM, Pahl JL, DeLeo JA: Nerve injury proximal or distal to the DRG induces similar spinal glial activation and selective cytokine expression but differential behavioral responses to pharmacologic treatment. J Comp Neurol 2001, 439: 127–139. 10.1002/cne.2000PubMedCrossRef Winkelstein BA, Rutkowski MD, Sweitzer SM, Pahl JL, DeLeo JA: Nerve injury proximal or distal to the DRG induces similar spinal glial activation and selective cytokine expression but differential behavioral responses to pharmacologic treatment. J Comp Neurol 2001, 439: 127–139. 10.1002/cne.2000PubMedCrossRef
55.
go back to reference Sweitzer S, Martin D, DeLeo JA: Intrathecal interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in combination with soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor exhibits an anti-allodynic action in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Neuroscience 2001, 103: 529–539. 10.1016/S0306-4522(00)00574-1PubMedCrossRef Sweitzer S, Martin D, DeLeo JA: Intrathecal interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in combination with soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor exhibits an anti-allodynic action in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Neuroscience 2001, 103: 529–539. 10.1016/S0306-4522(00)00574-1PubMedCrossRef
56.
go back to reference Jana M, Dasgupta S, Saha RN, Liu X, Pahan K: Induction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) by interleukin-12 p40 monomer and homodimer in microglia and macrophages. J Neurochem 2003, 86: 519–528. 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2003.01864.xPubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef Jana M, Dasgupta S, Saha RN, Liu X, Pahan K: Induction of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) by interleukin-12 p40 monomer and homodimer in microglia and macrophages. J Neurochem 2003, 86: 519–528. 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2003.01864.xPubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef
57.
go back to reference Wilms H, Rosenstiel P, Sievers J, Deuschl G, Zecca L, Lucius R: Activation of microglia by human neuromelanin is NF-kappaB dependent and involves p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase: implications for Parkinson's disease. FASEB J 2003, 17: 500–502.PubMed Wilms H, Rosenstiel P, Sievers J, Deuschl G, Zecca L, Lucius R: Activation of microglia by human neuromelanin is NF-kappaB dependent and involves p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase: implications for Parkinson's disease. FASEB J 2003, 17: 500–502.PubMed
58.
go back to reference Krakauer T: Molecular therapeutic targets in inflammation: cyclooxygenase and NF-kappaB. Curr Drug Targets Inflamm Allergy 2004, 3: 317–324. 10.2174/1568010043343714PubMedCrossRef Krakauer T: Molecular therapeutic targets in inflammation: cyclooxygenase and NF-kappaB. Curr Drug Targets Inflamm Allergy 2004, 3: 317–324. 10.2174/1568010043343714PubMedCrossRef
59.
go back to reference Zhu X, Eisenach JC: Cyclooxygenase-1 in the spinal cord is altered after peripheral nerve injury. Anesthesiology 2003, 99: 1175–1179. 10.1097/00000542-200311000-00026PubMedCrossRef Zhu X, Eisenach JC: Cyclooxygenase-1 in the spinal cord is altered after peripheral nerve injury. Anesthesiology 2003, 99: 1175–1179. 10.1097/00000542-200311000-00026PubMedCrossRef
60.
go back to reference Hefferan MP, O'Rielly DD, Loomis CW: Inhibition of spinal prostaglandin synthesis early after L5/L6 nerve ligation prevents the development of prostaglandin-dependent and prostaglandin-independent allodynia in the rat. Anesthesiology 2003, 99: 1180–1188. 10.1097/00000542-200311000-00027PubMedCrossRef Hefferan MP, O'Rielly DD, Loomis CW: Inhibition of spinal prostaglandin synthesis early after L5/L6 nerve ligation prevents the development of prostaglandin-dependent and prostaglandin-independent allodynia in the rat. Anesthesiology 2003, 99: 1180–1188. 10.1097/00000542-200311000-00027PubMedCrossRef
61.
go back to reference Zhuang ZY, Gerner P, Woolf CJ, Ji RR: ERK is sequentially activated in neurons, microglia, and astrocytes by spinal nerve ligation and contributes to mechanical allodynia in this neuropathic pain model. Pain 2005, 114: 149–159. 10.1016/j.pain.2004.12.022PubMedCrossRef Zhuang ZY, Gerner P, Woolf CJ, Ji RR: ERK is sequentially activated in neurons, microglia, and astrocytes by spinal nerve ligation and contributes to mechanical allodynia in this neuropathic pain model. Pain 2005, 114: 149–159. 10.1016/j.pain.2004.12.022PubMedCrossRef
62.
go back to reference Bhat NR, Zhang P, Lee JC, Hogan EL: Extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 subgroups of mitogen-activated protein kinases regulate inducible nitric oxide synthase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene expression in endotoxin-stimulated primary glial cultures. J Neurosci 1998, 18: 1633–1641.PubMed Bhat NR, Zhang P, Lee JC, Hogan EL: Extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p38 subgroups of mitogen-activated protein kinases regulate inducible nitric oxide synthase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene expression in endotoxin-stimulated primary glial cultures. J Neurosci 1998, 18: 1633–1641.PubMed
63.
go back to reference Yaksh TL, Kokotos G, Svensson CI, Stephens D, Kokotos CG, Fitzsimmons B, Hadjipavlou-Litina D, Hua XY, Dennis EA: Systemic and intrathecal effects of a novel series of phospholipase A2 inhibitors on hyperalgesia and spinal prostaglandin E2 release. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2006, 316: 466–475. 10.1124/jpet.105.091686PubMedCrossRef Yaksh TL, Kokotos G, Svensson CI, Stephens D, Kokotos CG, Fitzsimmons B, Hadjipavlou-Litina D, Hua XY, Dennis EA: Systemic and intrathecal effects of a novel series of phospholipase A2 inhibitors on hyperalgesia and spinal prostaglandin E2 release. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2006, 316: 466–475. 10.1124/jpet.105.091686PubMedCrossRef
64.
go back to reference Svensson CI, Hua XY, Powell HC, Lai J, Porreca F, Yaksh TL: Prostaglandin E2 release evoked by intrathecal dynorphin is dependent on spinal p38 mitogen activated protein kinase. Neuropeptides 2005, 39: 485–494. 10.1016/j.npep.2005.08.002PubMedCrossRef Svensson CI, Hua XY, Powell HC, Lai J, Porreca F, Yaksh TL: Prostaglandin E2 release evoked by intrathecal dynorphin is dependent on spinal p38 mitogen activated protein kinase. Neuropeptides 2005, 39: 485–494. 10.1016/j.npep.2005.08.002PubMedCrossRef
65.
go back to reference Clark AK, D'Aquisto F, Gentry C, Marchand F, McMahon SB, Malcangio M: Rapid co-release of interleukin 1beta and caspase 1 in spinal cord inflammation. J Neurochem 2006, 99: 868–880. 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.04126.xPubMedCrossRef Clark AK, D'Aquisto F, Gentry C, Marchand F, McMahon SB, Malcangio M: Rapid co-release of interleukin 1beta and caspase 1 in spinal cord inflammation. J Neurochem 2006, 99: 868–880. 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.04126.xPubMedCrossRef
66.
go back to reference Colburn RW, DeLeo JA, Rickman AJ, Yeager MP, Kwon P, Hickey WF: Dissociation of microglial activation and neuropathic pain behaviors following peripheral nerve injury in the rat. J Neuroimmunol 1997, 79: 163–175. 10.1016/S0165-5728(97)00119-7PubMedCrossRef Colburn RW, DeLeo JA, Rickman AJ, Yeager MP, Kwon P, Hickey WF: Dissociation of microglial activation and neuropathic pain behaviors following peripheral nerve injury in the rat. J Neuroimmunol 1997, 79: 163–175. 10.1016/S0165-5728(97)00119-7PubMedCrossRef
67.
go back to reference Ji RR, Kawasaki Y, Zhuang ZY, Wen YR, Zhang YQ: Protein kinases as potential targets for the treatment of pathological pain. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2007, 359–389. Ji RR, Kawasaki Y, Zhuang ZY, Wen YR, Zhang YQ: Protein kinases as potential targets for the treatment of pathological pain. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2007, 359–389.
68.
go back to reference Watkins LR, Maier SF: Glia: a novel drug discovery target for clinical pain. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2003, 2: 973–985. 10.1038/nrd1251PubMedCrossRef Watkins LR, Maier SF: Glia: a novel drug discovery target for clinical pain. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2003, 2: 973–985. 10.1038/nrd1251PubMedCrossRef
Metadata
Title
p38 MAPK, microglial signaling, and neuropathic pain
Authors
Ru-Rong Ji
Marc R Suter
Publication date
01-12-2007
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Molecular Pain / Issue 1/2007
Electronic ISSN: 1744-8069
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1744-8069-3-33

Other articles of this Issue 1/2007

Molecular Pain 1/2007 Go to the issue