Role of 5-HT1A receptor in distal cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons in neuropathic pain in rats

Objective To evaluate the role of 5-HT1A receptors in distal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-contacting neurons in neuropathic pain (NP) in rats. Methods Forty male SD rats weighing 230-270 g were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8 each): sham operation group (group S); NP group; dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) group and 8-OH-DPAT (a specific 5-HT1A receptor agonist) group. NP was induced by chronic constrictive injury (CCI) in groups NP, DMSO and 8-OH-DPAT. Four silk ligatures were placed on the sciatic nerve at 1 mm intervals . In group S, the sciatic nerve was exposed but not ligated. 8-OH-DPAT and DMSO 1 μl were injected into the region where most of CSF-contacting neurons are present over 5 min on 7th day after CCI in groups 8-OH-DPAT and DMSO respectively. Paw withdrawal latency (PWL) and paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) were measured before CCI, on 7th day after CCI, and at 3 and 6 h after administration. The rats were sacrificed 6 h after administration, and the brain tissues removed for determination of the expression of 5-HT1A receptors in the distal CSF-contacting neurons by immunofluorescence. Results Compared with group S, PWL was significantly shorten and PWT decreased at T, in groups NP, DMSO and 8-OH- DPAT (P ＜ 0.01) . Compared with group DMSO, PWL was significantly prolonged and PWT increased at T2 and T3 in group 8-OH-DPAT ( P ＜ 0.01). The 5-HT1A receptor expression was significantly down-regulated in groups NP and DMSO compared with group S, while up-regulated in group 8-OH-DPAT compared with groups NP and DMSO ( P ＜ 0.01). There was no significant difference in 5-HT1A receptor expression between groups NP and DMSO ( P ＞ 0.05). Conclusion 5-HT1A receptors in distal CSF-contacting neurons are involved in the regulation of NP in rats. Key words: Neurons;  Receptor,serotonin, 5-HT1A;  Neuralgia