New elucidation of the oxytocin system involvement in head and neck cancer pain relief using a fluorescent gene

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25861602
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Otorhinolaryngology
• Research Institution: Kyushu University (2014); National Hospital Organization, Kyushu Medical Center (Clinical Institute) (2013)
• Principal Investigator: KATO AKIKO 九州大学, 大学病院, その他 (90412650)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 遺伝子改変動物 / オキシトシン / 蛍光タンパク遺伝子 / 口内炎

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Stomatitis model was created by contacting the acetic acid-containing filter paper in the oral mucosa of oxytocin-mRFP1 transgenic rats, and the activation of oxytocin neurons localized in the hypothalamic supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei (PVN) was quantified by mRFP1 red fluorescent intensity as changes of the expression of the oxytocin gene. In stomatitis model group, mRFP1 red fluorescent intensity in the parvocellular and magnocellular divisions of the PVN has been increased significantly in comparison with control group. This result suggests that stomatitis-induced nociceptive stimulation may cause activation of oxytocin neurons in the PVN. Further study should examine whether hypothalamic oxytocinergic pathways may be involved in regulation of pain in head and neck during inflammation and cancer.

Free Research Field

医歯薬学