Elucidation of immobilization-induced hypersensitivity and possible therapeutic approaches to the affective neuronal circuits

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K17465
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 59010:Rehabilitation science-related
• Research Institution: Nishikyushu University
• Principal Investigator: KIshikawa Yuki 西九州大学, リハビリテーション学部, 准教授 (30783360)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 慢性疼痛 / 痛覚閾値低下 / 関節不動化 / ドパミン / 側坐核 / D2受容体

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We investigated the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathways in model mice of chronic pain. Cast immobilization of the hind limb in mice decreased the paw withdrawal threshold, and this decrease was associated with the upregulation of D2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens. Furthermore, when cast immobilization was performed after mild stress was applied, improved the paw withdrawal threshold with a lower concentration of a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist.

Free Research Field

神経薬理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

慢性疼痛は、複合的な要因で痛みが持続し、社会的および心理的要因などが影響している。本研究では、情動に関係する領域である中脳辺縁系ドパミン神経回路に焦点を当て、治療法について検討した。結果として、側坐核でのドパミンD2受容体が慢性的な痛覚閾値の低下に関与していることが示唆された。