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Expression of voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.6 in dorsal root ganglions of rat model of bone cancer pain

FAN Zhi-dan1, MA Ke2, JI Xiao-yan3, CHENG Zhi-jun3   

  1. 1.Department of Anesthesiology, 2.Pain Centre, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China; 3.Department of Anesthesiology, Xinhua Hospital (Chongming), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 202150, China
  • Online:2015-03-28 Published:2015-03-26
  • Supported by:

    Foundation of Municipal Commission of Health and Family Planning of Shanghai, 201440273；Chongming Science and Technology Committee Foundation， CKY2012-05

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Abstract:

Objective To establish a rat model of bone cancer pain and observe the expression of voltage-gated sodium channel subtype Nav1.6 in dorsal root ganglions (DRG). Methods Female Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, i.e. the Walker256 group (n=15), sham group (n=10), and normal control group (n=10). The Walker256 group underwent intra-tibial injection of syngenetic Walker256 mammary gland carcinoma cells. The sham group received intra-tibial injection of normal saline. The normal Wistar rats served as normal controls. Changes of body weight were observed and pain thresholds of mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia were assessed 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 d after the rat pain model was established. Pathological sections of tibia that underwent the injection were prepared 20 d after the rat pain model was established. The development of the bone tumor was observed and the mRNA expression of Nav1.6 in L5-L6 DRG was detected by real-time PCR. Results The Walker256 group showed gradual development of both mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. The mRNA expression of Nav1.6 in DRG of the Walker256 group was significantly higher than those of the sham group and normal control group (P<0.05). Conclusion The rat model of bone cancer pain established by intra-tibial injection of syngenetic Walker256 mammary gland carcinoma cells is a reliable pain model of bone metastases. The mRNA expression of Nav1.6 in DRG increases, which suggests that Nav1.6 may involve in the cancer-induced bone pain.

Key words: bone cancer pain, Nav1.6, sodium channel, dorsal root ganglion