Abstract | AIM: Pulpal pain is a common orofacial health issue that has been linked to cognitive impairment. Because of its prominent role in pain modulation and cognitive impairment, apelin (Apl) is regarded as a promising target for clinical pain management. The role of Apl in orofacial pain, however, is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of intra-periaqueductal grey matter (PAG) administrations of Apl-13 on capsaicin-evoked pulpal nocifensive behaviour and capsaicin-induced spatial learning and memory impairments in rats. METHODOLOGY: Forty-nine male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 7 per group). The groups included: untreated intact, capsaicin (Caps) only, three Caps+Apl groups that received different dosages of intra-PAG injection of Apl-13 (1, 2 and 3 μg/rat) 20 min prior to capsaicin application, and two Apl+antagonist groups that received Apl receptor antagonist or naloxone (a μ opioid receptor) 20 min before Apl injection. Learning and memory were assessed using the Morris water maze test. One-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey post hoc tests was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Intra-PAG administration of Apl-13 significantly reduced the capsaicin-induced nocifensive behaviour (p < .01). This antinociception effect was inhibited by F13A and naloxone. Apl-13 inhibited nociception-induced learning and memory deficits (p < .01). The cognitive effects were also blocked by pre-treatment administration of F13A (3 μg/rat). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicated that Apl-13, via Apl receptors (AR or APJ) and μ opioid receptors, alleviated capsaicin-induced dental nocifensive behaviour and protected against nociception-induced learning and memory impairments. As a result of our findings, Apl appears to be a promising analgesic option for further research in orofacial pain models and clinical trials.
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Authors | Amir Hossein Soleimani, Aghdas Dehghani, Mehdi Abbasnejad, Saeed Esmaeili-Mahani, Maryam Raoof, Frank Lobbezoo |
Journal | International endodontic journal
(Int Endod J)
Vol. 56
Issue 8
Pg. 968-979
(Aug 2023)
ISSN: 1365-2591 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 37184417
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Copyright | © 2023 The Authors. International Endodontic Journal published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Endodontic Society. |
Chemical References |
- Capsaicin
- Apelin
- Naloxone
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Topics |
- Rats
- Male
- Animals
- Capsaicin
(pharmacology)
- Rats, Wistar
- Periaqueductal Gray
- Spatial Learning
- Apelin
(pharmacology)
- Facial Pain
- Naloxone
(pharmacology)
- Memory Disorders
(chemically induced, drug therapy)
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