Oxytocin receptor: Expression in the trigeminal nociceptive system and potential role in the treatment of headache disorders.

Abstract

AIMS:

Our studies investigated the location of oxytocin receptors in the peripheral trigeminal sensory system and determined their role in trigeminal pain.

METHODS:

Oxytocin receptor expression and co-localization with calcitonin gene-related peptide was investigated in rat trigeminal ganglion using immunohistochemistry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the effects of facial electrocutaneous stimulation and adjuvant-induced inflammation of the temporomandibular joint on oxytocin receptor expression in the trigeminal ganglion. Finally, the effects of oxytocin on capsaicin-induced calcitonin gene-related peptide release from dural nociceptors were investigated using isolated rat dura mater.

RESULTS:

Oxytocin receptor immunoreactivity was present in rat trigeminal neurons. The vast majority of oxytocin receptor immunoreactive neurons co-expressed calcitonin gene-related peptide. Both electrocutaneous stimulation and adjuvant-induced inflammation led to a rapid upregulation of oxytocin receptor protein expression in trigeminal ganglion neurons. Oxytocin significantly and dose-dependently decreased capsaicin-induced calcitonin gene-related peptide release from dural nociceptors.

CONCLUSION:

Oxytocin receptor expression in calcitonin gene-related peptide containing trigeminal ganglion neurons, and the blockade of calcitonin gene-related peptide release from trigeminal dural afferents suggests that activation of these receptors may provide therapeutic benefit in patients with migraine and other primary headache disorders.

• Authors: Alexander Tzabazis, Jordan Mechanic, James Miller, Michael Klukinov, Conrado Pascual, Neil Manering, Dean S Carson, Allon Jacobs, Yanli Qiao, Jason Cuellar, William H Frey 2nd, Daniel Jacobs, Martin Angst, David C Yeomans
• Journal: Cephalalgia : an international journal of headache (Cephalalgia) Vol. 36 Issue 10 Pg. 943-50 (Sep 2016) ISSN: 1468-2982 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 26590611 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © International Headache Society 2015.

Chemical References

• Receptors, Oxytocin
• Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide

Topics

• Animals
• Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (analysis, biosynthesis, genetics)
• Gene Expression Regulation
• Headache Disorders (genetics, metabolism)
• Male
• Nociceptors (metabolism)
• Rats
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley
• Receptors, Oxytocin (analysis, biosynthesis, genetics)
• Treatment Outcome
• Trigeminal Ganglion (chemistry, metabolism)