Identification of crosstalk between pathological angiogenesis and neurons in regulating chronic pain

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24590730
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Pain science
• Research Institution: Wakayama Medical University
• Principal Investigator: KISHIOKA Shiroh 和歌山県立医科大学, 医学部, 教授 (60137255)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): KIGUCHI Norikazu 和歌山県立医科大学, 医学部, 講師 (90433341) ; KOBAYASHI Yuka 和歌山県立医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (20511562)
• Research Collaborator: KADOWAKI Yui
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 慢性疼痛 / 神経障害性疼痛 / 血管新生 / VEGF / サイトカイン / 炎症 / 血管内皮細胞 / ネットワーク

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we determined the molecular mechanism of chronic pain through relationship between neuron and angiogenesis. Macrophages and neutrophils were accumulated into peripheral nerves after injury, and they produced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We identified the progression of pathological angiogenesis in the injured nerves using immunohistochemistry, and these phenomenon was confirmed by proliferation of endothelial cells by VEGF signaling. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of VEGF signaling was able to prevent injury-induced chronic pain. In conclusion, we propose that VEGF signaling-dependent pathological angiogenesis in the injured peripheral nerves might be key component of chronic pain.

Free Research Field

薬理学、疼痛学