Elucidation of the mechanism by which the dopamine nervous system is involved in the relief of orofacial neuropathic pain

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K19192
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 57060:Surgical dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: Maegawa Hiroharu 大阪大学, 歯学研究科, 助教 (10711012)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 神経障害性疼痛 / A11細胞群 / ドーパミンD2受容体作動薬 / 三叉神経 / pERK

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We found that microinjection of dopamine D2 receptor agonist into the A11 nucleus attenuated mechanical hypersensitivity and decreased pERK immunoreactive cells in the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc) in rats with ligation of the infraorbital nerve. These findings suggest that the A11 nucleus is involved in orofacial neuropathic pain and administration of dopamine D2 receptor agonist into the A11 nucleus attenuates symptom of orofacial neuropathic pain. These reaction suggests that changes in the activity of the A11 nucleus evoke changes in the activity of the Vc.

Free Research Field

歯科麻酔学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の結果から、ドーパミン神経系の一つであるA11細胞群は、眼窩下神経を結紮して作製した神経障害性疼痛モデルラットの症状を変化させうることが示された。ドーパミン神経系を介して、神経障害性疼痛の緩和が可能であるならば、治療法につながることが考えられ、神経障害性疼痛患者のQOLの改善に寄与しうるものとなる。本研究はそれに関して基礎的なデータを提供することができたと考える。