Citations

AbstractChronic neuropathic pain arising from peripheral nerve damage is a severe clinical issue where there is a major unmet medical need. We previously demonstrated that both neurotensin (NT) receptor subtypes 1 (NTS1) and 2 (NTS2) are involved in mediating the naloxone‐insensitive antinociceptive effects of neurotensin in different analgesic tests including hotplate, tail‐flick, and tonic pain. However, the role of these receptors in neuropathic pain management has been poorly investigated. In the present study, we therefore examined whether intrathecal delivery ofNTS1 agonists was effective in reducing neuropathic pain symptoms in rats. Neuropathy was induced by sciatic nerve constriction (CCImodel), and the development of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia on the ipsi‐ and contralateral hind paws was examined 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post‐surgery.CCI‐operated rats exhibited significant increases in thermal and mechanical hypersensitivities over a 28‐day testing period. Spinal injection ofNTtoCCIrats alleviated the behavioral responses to radiant heat and mechanical stimuli, with a maximal reversal of 91% of allodynia at 6 μg/kg. Intrathecal administration of theNTS1‐selective agonist,PD149163 (30–90 μg/kg) also produced potent anti‐allodynic and anti‐hyperalgesic effects in nerve‐injured rats. Likewise, heat hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia produced byCCIof the sciatic nerve were fully reversed by theNTS1 agonist,NT69L(5–25 μg/kg). Altogether, these results support the idea that theNTS1 receptor subtype is involved in pain modulation, and the potential use ofNTS1 agonists for the treatment of painful neuropathies.

Abstract RasGRP1, a Ras guanine-nucleotide exchange factor, critically mediates T cell development and function and controls immunodeficiency and autoimmunity. In this study, we describe a unique mechanism of mobilization and activation of RasGRP1 in response to SDF-1, a chemokine that signals via the G protein-coupled receptor CXCR4. Depletion of RasGRP1 impaired SDF-1–stimulated human T cell migration, expression of the activation marker CD69, and activation of the ERK MAPK pathway, indicating that RasGRP1 mediates SDF-1 functions. SDF-1 treatment caused RasGRP1 to localize to the plasma membrane to activate K-Ras and to the Golgi to activate N-Ras. These events were required for cellular migration and for ERK activation that mediates downstream transcriptional events in response to SDF-1. SDF-1–dependent localization of RasGRP1 did not require its diacylglycerol-binding domain, even though diacyglycerol was previously shown to mediate localization of RasGRP1 in response to Ag stimulation. This domain was, however, required for activity of RasGRP1 after its localization. Intriguingly, SDF-1 treatment of T cells induced the formation of a novel molecular signaling complex containing RasGRP1, Gαi2, and ZAP-70. Moreover, SDF-1–mediated signaling by both Gi proteins and ZAP-70 was required for RasGRP1 mobilization. In addition, RasGRP1 mobilization and activation in response to SDF-1 was dependent on TCR expression, suggesting that CXCR4 heterodimerizes with the TCR to couple to ZAP-70 and mobilize RasGRP1. These results increase understanding of the molecular mechanisms that mediate SDF-1 effects on T cells and reveal a novel mechanism of RasGRP1 regulation. Other G protein-coupled receptors may similarly contribute to regulation of RasGRP1.

Objective— Left atrial blood stasis is associated with increased risk for left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) and stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF). Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is associated with thromboembolism in AF. VWF thrombogenic activity is proportional to multimer size, which is regulated by VWF-cleaving protease (ADAMTS13). Methods and Results— To assess the association between left atrial blood stasis and VWF-ADAMTS13 system, plasma VWF antigen (VWF:Ag), VWF activity (VWF:Act), and ADAMTS13 activity were measured in 414 consecutive patients with nonvalvular AF (age 63±13 years; 25% women) and in 100 patients (age 64±14 years; 39% women) with normal sinus rhythm. Spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC), left atrial appendage emptying velocity, and LAAT were assessed by transesophageal echocardiography. Presence and intensity of SEC varied directly with VWF:Ag and VWF:Act but not with ADAMTS13 activity. AF patients with LAAT had higher VWF:Ag (200±61 versus 155±52, P =0.0006) and VWF:Act (179±57 versus 141±51 P =0.0026) compared with those without LAAT. VWF:Ag and VWF:Act were independent predictors of LAAT after adjustment for CHADS 2 score ( P =0.0179 and P =0.0497, respectively). Conclusion— The association between VWF and SEC may explain the thrombotic propensity in AF. Elevated VWF:Ag may help identify AF patients at risk for LAAT.