NPY Y1 Receptors Are Present in Axonal Processes of DRG Neurons (original) (raw)

Nerve injury increases an excitatory action of neuropeptide Y and Y2-agonists on dorsal root ganglion neurons

Neuroscience, 1999

Abstrac~Damage to sensory nerves invokes the expression of neuropeptide Y in the cell bodies of sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia. We therefore compared the action of this peptide on control dorsal root ganglia neurons with its action on neurons from animals in which the sciatic nerve had been cut. Neuropeptide Y (0.1-1.0 gM) increased the excitability of 24% of control neurons and its effect was stronger and more cells (56%) were affected after axotomy. Increased excitability was mediated via a Yz-receptor and resulted from attenuation of CaZ+-sensitive K+-conductance(s) secondary to suppression of N-type Ca 2÷ channel current. Yl-agonists potentiated L-type Ca 2÷ channel current in control neurons without altering excitability. This Y~-effect was attenuated whereas effects mediated via Yz-receptors were enhanced after axotomy. No evidence was found for involvement of Y4" or Ys-receptor subtypes in the aclions of neuropeptide Y either on control or on axotomized dorsal root ganglion neurons. It is concluded that neuropeptide Y increases the excitability of sensory neurons by interacting with a Yz-receptor and thereby decreasing N-type Ca 2+ channel current and Ca2+-sensitive K+-conductance(s). When peripheral nerves are damaged, dorsal root ganglion neurons start to express neuropeptide Y and its excitatory Y2-excitatory effects are enhanced. The peptide may therefore contribute to the generation of aberrant sensory activity and perhaps to the etiology of injury-induced neuropathic pain. C~ 1998 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.

Deletion of the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor affects pain sensitivity, neuropeptide transport and expression, and dorsal root ganglion neuron numbers

Neuroscience, 2006

Neuropeptide Y has been implicated in pain modulation and is substantially up-regulated in dorsal root ganglia after peripheral nerve injury. To identify the role of neuropeptide Y after axotomy, we investigated the behavioral and neurochemical phenotype of neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor knockout mice with focus on dorsal root ganglion neurons and spinal cord. Using a specific antibody Y1 receptor immunoreactivity was found in dorsal root ganglia and in dorsal horn neurons of wild-type, but not knockout mice. The Y1 receptor knockout mice exhibited a pronounced mechanical hypersensitivity. After sciatic nerve axotomy, the deletion of Y1 receptor protected knockout mice from the axotomy-induced loss of dorsal root ganglion neurons seen in wild-type mice. Lower levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P were identified by immunohistochemistry in dorsal root ganglia and dorsal horn of knockout mice, and the axotomy-induced down-regulation of both calcitonin gene-related pept...

Alterations in neuropeptide Y, tyrosine hydroxylase, and Y-receptor subtype distribution following spinal nerve injury to rats

Pain, 1999

Recent animal models of experimental nerve injury have proven useful in evaluating potential sympathetic involvement in neuropathic pain syndromes. We have employed a widely adopted unilateral L 5 /L 6 spinal nerve ligation model to compare the development of mechanical allodynia with neurochemical changes both at the site of peripheral nerve injury and in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). We have focused on the expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY), a well-studied regulatory peptide and phenotypic marker of sympathetic neurons, and functionally related Y-receptor binding sites following nerve injury. In sympathetic neurons, NPY is colocalized and coreleased with norepinephrine (NE) at peripheral sites of action. Furthermore, NPY gene expression is induced within the population of medium-and large-diameter DRG neurons of the Ab-fiber class after experimental nerve injury. We therefore hypothesized that concurrent alterations in NPY and NE expression by sympathetic and sensory neurons may be a contributing factor to sympathetically-maintained neuropathic conditions. Animals with unilateral L 5 /L 6 spinal nerve ligation developed mechanical allodynia of the hind paw ipsilateral to the site of injury that persisted until sacrifice at postoperative day 10. A significant induction of preproneuropeptide Y-encoding (PPNPY) mRNA, as detected by in situ hybridization histochemistry (ISHH), occurred in populations of medium-and large-diameter DRG neurons ipsilateral to the site of injury. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated a marked decline in the number of labeled sympathetic axons positive for tyrosine hydroxylase-like and NPY-like immunoreactivities (TH-Ll and NPY-LI, respectively) proximal to the site of nerve injury and almost complete elimination of immunopositive fibers distal to the site of ligation. Whereas, the extent of colocalization of NPY-LI to TH-LI-positive sympathetic axons in unaffected L 4 or L 5 nerve segments exceeded 80%, this figure declined to approximately 50% in regenerating axons of ligated spinal nerve L 5. The portion of NPY-LI that was not colocalized to sympathetic TH-LI-positive fibers was most likely contributed by regenerating sensory axons, consistent with marked de novo synthesis of NPY by DRG neurons. In end bulb axon terminals, i.e. morphological profiles characteristic of neuromas, NPY-LI-positive elements that were not colocalized to TH-LI-positive sympathetic elements appeared to be spatially segregated from those of sympathetic origin with colocalized TH-LI and NPY-LI. Receptor autoradiography indicated that smalland medium-diameter DRG somata of the C-fiber class normally express both Y 1 and Y 2 receptor subtypes. The pattern of the distribution of Y-receptor binding sites appeared to be relatively unaffected by spinal nerve ligation. In contrast, there was a marked increase in the density of Y 2 receptor binding sites in the proximal segment of ligated spinal nerve L 5 , consistent with previously published data indicating differential transport of the Y 2 autoregulatory receptor subtype to nerve terminals. Induction of NPY gene expression in injured DRG neurons is consistent with appearance of NPY-LI-positive end bulbs derived from regenerating sensory axons that are found in developing neuromas containing a relatively high density of transported prejunctional Y 2 receptors. Newly established functional interactions of spatially segregated sensory-and sympathetically-derived end bulbs in developing neuromas may enhance neuronal hyperexcitability engendered by aberrant electrical activity at the site of injury. Injury-related alterations in the regulatory activities of NPY released within the DRG at somally-distributed Y-receptors may also contribute to the development and/or persistence of symptoms characteristic of sympatheticallymaintained pain. Finally, at later times NPY-mediated modulation of NE release from invading sympathetic axon terminals within the DRG may affect the extent of a 2 receptor-mediated neuronal hyperexcitability associated with neuropathic pain.

Effect of peripheral axotomy on dorsal root ganglion neuron phenotype and autotomy behaviour in neuropeptide Y-deficient mice

Regulatory Peptides, 1998

The lumbar 5 (L5) dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) were studied in neuropeptide tyrosine (NPY)-deficient (2 / 2) and wild type (1 / 1) mice after unilateral sciatic nerve transection using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. NPY, galanin and two NPY receptors (Y-Rs) were analyzed as well as self-mutilation behaviour (autotomy) and nociceptive thresholds. No difference between wild type and NPY-deficient mice was seen in the tail-flick or hot plate test. However, 2 / 2 mice showed a much stronger autotomy behaviour than wild type mice. NPY was not found in L5 DRGs in 2 / 2 mice, not even after axotomy. Galanin was upregulated to the same extent after axotomy in NPY-deficient and wild type mice. Y1-and Y2-R mRNAs were found mainly in small DRG neuron profiles. Both receptor mRNAs were downregulated after axotomy, to about the same extent in NPY-deficient as in wild type mice. In control and contralateral ganglia the mRNA levels of both receptors were lower in NPY-deficient mice than in wild type mice. The contralateral Y2-R mRNA levels did not reach control values in the NPY-deficient mice, as they did in the wild type mice. In both strains the Y1-R protein was decorating the somatic plasmalemma. The present results suggest that lack of NPY may cause exaggerated autotomy, a self-mutilation behaviour possibly related to pain sensation, in agreement with the described analgesic effect of NPY. Although significant differences in levels of Y1-and especially Y2-R mRNAs were observed between wild type and NPY-deficient mice, they were only moderate. These findings suggest that expression, regulation, localization and possible function of Y1-and Y2-Rs are not dependent on presence of the endogenous ligand. Also, deletion of NPY does not seem to influence the expression of the partly coexisting peptide galanin.

Neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive spinal neurons make close appositions on axons of primary sensory afferents

Brain Research, 1990

The dorsal cells in the lamprey are primary sensory neurons located in a parasagittal region of the spinal cord. In the same plane neuropeptide Y (NPY) immunoreactivity has been described. To investigate if the dorsal cells were in contact with NPY-immunoreactive (ir) fibers and cell bodies, intracellular injections of Lucifer yellow into identified dorsal cells were combined with NPY immunohistochemistry. NPY-ir varicosities were found to be in close apposition to both the descending and the ascending axon of dorsal cells. No NPY-ir boutons were seen in close contact with the dorsal cell bodies.

Neuropeptide Y and Galanin Binding Sites in Rat and Monkev Lumbar Dorsal Root Ganalia and Spinal Cord and Effect of Peripheral Axotomy

European Journal of Neuroscience, 1995

Using monoiodinated peptide YY (PYY) and galanin as radioligands, and neuropeptide Y (NPY) fragments, the distribution of NPY binding sites and its subtypes Y1 and Y2, and of galanin binding sites, was investigated in rat and monkey lumbar (L) 4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal cord before and after a unilateral sciatic nerve cut, ligation or crush. Receptor autoradiography revealed that [1251]PYY bound to some DRG neurons and a few nerve fibres in normal rat DRG, and most of these neurons were small. NPY binding sites were observed in laminae I-IV and X of the rat dorsal horn and in the lateral spinal nucleus, with the highest density in laminae 1-11. ['251]PYY binding was most strongly attenuated by NPY13-36, a Y2 agonist, and partially inhibited by [ L~u~' , P~o~~] N P Y , a Y1 agonist, in both rat DRG and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. These findings suggest that Y2 receptors are the main NPY receptors in rat DRG and dorsal horn, but also that Y1 receptors exist. After sciatic nerve cut, PYY binding markedly increased in nerve fibres and neurons in DRG, especially in large neuron profiles, and in laminae Ill-IV of the dorsal horn, as well as in nerve fibres in dorsal roots and the sciatic nerve. Incubation with NPY13-36 completely abolished PYY binding, which was also reduced by [ L e~~l , P r o~~] NPY. However, the increase in PYY binding seen in laminae I-IV of the ipsilateral dorsal horn after axotomy was not observed after coincubation with [ L e~~' , P r o~~] NPY. NPY binding sites were seen in a few neurons in monkey DRG and in laminae 1-11, X and IX of the monkey spinal cord. The intensity of PYY binding in laminae 1-11 of the dorsal horn was decreased after axotomy. Galanin receptor binding sites were not observed in rat DRG, but were observed in the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord, mainly in laminae 1-11. Axotomy had no effect on galanin binding in rat DRG and dorsal horn. However, galanin receptor binding was observed in many neurons in monkey L4 and L5 DRG and in laminae I-IV and X of monkey L4 and L5 spinal cord, with the highest intensity in laminae 1-11. No marked effect of axotomy was observed on the distribution and intensity of galanin binding in monkey DRG or spinal cord. The present results indicate that after axotomy the synthesis of NPY receptors is increased in rat DRG neurons, especially in large neurons, and is transported to the laminae I-IV of the ipsilateral dorsal horn and into the sciatic nerve. No such up-regulation of the NPY receptor occurred in monkey DRG after axotomy. The Y2 receptor seems to be the main NPY receptor in DRG and the dorsal horn of the rat and monkey spinal cord, but Y1 receptors also exist. The increase in NPY binding sites in laminae I-IV of the dorsal horn after axotomy partly represents Y1 receptors. In contrast to the rat, galanin binding sites could be identified in monkey lumbar DRG. No effect of axotomy on the distribution of galanin binding sites in rat or monkey DRG and dorsal horn was detected, suggesting their presence on local dorsal horn neurons (or central afferents). Dumont et al., 1992; Wahlestedt and Reis, 1993). The two major subtypes have been designated Y1 and Y2; the Y1 receptor is activated by an analogue of NPY or PYY modified at residues 31 and 34, [ L e~~l , P r o~~] N p Y or [ L~u~' , P~o~~] P Y Y , and the Y2 receptor subtype is defined on the basis of its affinity for NPY, PYY and the carboxy-terminal fragment (13-36) (Wahlestedt ef al., 1986, 1992;

The neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor is a somatic receptor on dorsal root ganglion neurons and a postsynaptic receptor on somatostatin dorsal horn neurons

1999

Using indirect immuno¯uorescence, neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor (Y1 receptor)-like immunoreactivity (LI) was localized close to the plasmalemma of small neurons in lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) and neurons in the inner lamina II of the lumbar spinal cord of the rat. Using confocal microscopy, colocalization of Y1 receptor-LI and transferrin receptor-LI, a marker for endosomes and coated vesicles, was observed in dot-like structures along the plasmalemma. Under the electron microscope, Y1 receptor-LI was localized in coated vesicles and endosomes, in the membrane of tubular cisternae, sometimes connected to multivesicular bodies, and in the plasmalemma. These complex distribution patterns may re¯ect receptor turnover and internalization processes. In the lamina II of the spinal dorsal horn, Y1 receptor-LI was localized in the plasmalemma of neurons without any apparent association with paramembrane structures, as described above for the DRG neurons. Many dendrites were Y1 receptor-positive, and some of them made synaptic contacts with unstained axonal terminals. In general, Y1 receptor-LI was localized in the membrane outside the postsynaptic density. Double-immuno¯uorescence staining showed that most Y1 receptor-immunoreactive neurons in lamina II contained somatostatin-LI. Both in DRG and dorsal horn neurons, the Y1 receptor thus seems to represent a postjunctional/ postsynaptic receptor.

Electrophysiological studies on rat dorsal root ganglion neurons after peripheral axotomy: Changes in responses to neuropeptides

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 1997

The effect of three peptides, galanin, sulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide, and neurotensin (NT), was studied on acutely extirpated rat dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) in vitro with intracellular recording techniques. Both normal and peripherally axotomized DRGs were analyzed, and recordings were made from C-type (small) and A-type (large) neurons. Galanin and sulfated cholecystokinin octapeptide, with one exception, had no effect on normal C-and A-type neurons but caused an inward current in both types of neurons after sciatic nerve cut. In normal rats, NT caused an outward current in C-type neurons and an inward current in A-type neurons. After sciatic nerve cut, NT only caused an inward current in both C-and A-type neurons. These results suggest that (i) normal DRG neurons express receptors on their soma for some but not all peptides studied, (ii) C-and A-type neurons can have different types of receptors, and (iii) peripheral nerve injury can change the receptor phenotype of both C-and A-type neurons and may have differential effects on these neuron types.

Partial and complete sciatic nerve injuries induce similar increases of neuropeptide Y and vasoactive intestinal peptide immunoreactivities in primary sensory neurons and their central projections

Neuroscience, 1998

Partial nerve injury is more likely to cause neuropathic pain than complete nerve injury. We have compared the changes in neuropeptide expression in primary sensory neurons which follow complete and partial injuries to determine if these might be involved. Since more neurons are damaged by complete injury, we expected that complete sciatic nerve injury would simply cause greater increases in neuropeptide Y and vasoactive intestinal peptide than partial injury. We examined neuropeptide Y and vasoactive intestinal peptide immunoreactivities in L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia, the dorsal horn of L4-L5 spinal cord, and the gracile nuclei of rats killed 14 days after unilateral complete sciatic nerve transection, partial sciatic nerve transection and chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerves. In all three groups of rats, neuropeptide Y-and vasoactive intestinal peptide-immunoreactive neurons were increased in the ipsilateral L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglion when compared with the contralateral side. Most neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive neurons were of medium and large size, but a few were small. Neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive axonal fibers were increased from laminae I to IV, and vasoactive intestinal peptide-immunoreactive axonal fibers were increased in laminae I and II, of the ipsilateral dorsal horn of L4-L5 spinal cord. The increases of neuropeptide Y and vasoactive intestinal peptide immunoreactivities in the dorsal horn were similar among the three groups. However, only after constriction injury were some vasoactive intestinal peptide-immunoreactive neurons seen in the deeper laminae of the ipsilateral dorsal horn. Robust neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive axonal fibers and some neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive cells were seen in the ipsilateral gracile nuclei of all three groups of animals, but neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive cells were more prominent after constriction injury.