Nerve Growth Factor Mediates Mechanical Allodynia in a Mouse Model of Type 2
Diabetes
Authors Hsinlin T Cheng, John M Hayes, Yu Hong and Eva L Feldman
Submitted By Eva Feldman on 4/17/2009
Status Published
Journal Journal of neuropathology and experimental neurology
Year 2009
Date Published 11/1/2009
Volume : Pages Not Specified : Not Specified
PubMed Reference 19816194
Abstract We reported previously that the C57BLKS db/db (db/db) mouse develops the
neuropathy of type 2 diabetes. In the current study, we demonstrate that the
db/db mouse develops transient mechanical allodynia at the early stage of
diabetes. We hypothesize that nerve growth factor (NGF) mediates the development
of mechanical allodynia in the db/db mouse. NGF, substance P (SP), and
calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) gene expression was upregulated in the
dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of db/db mice during the period of mechanical
allodynia. In parallel, there were increased numbers of small- to medium-sized
NGF-immunopositive DRG neurons in db/db mice in comparison with the control db+
mice. These neurons also expressed SP, suggesting that they mediated
nociception. The NGF expression in the hind paw skin was also increased in the
period of mechanical allodynia. This peripheral NGF upregulation was associated
with increased numbers of SP-positive intraepidermal nerve fibers (IENF). This
upregulation of NGF coincided with enhanced tropomyosin-related kinase (Trk) A
receptor phosphorylation in DRG. Finally, an antibody against NGF significantly
inhibited mechanical allodynia and SP expression in db/db mice. The current
findings provide evidence that inhibition of NGF action is a potential strategy
for treating painful diabetic neuropathy.
Key words: Diabetes; Neuropathy; Nerve Growth Factor; Pain; Substance P; Dorsal
Root Ganglion; Db/db mice


Investigators with authorship
NameInstitution
Eva FeldmanUniversity of Michigan

Complications









Genes
SymbolDescription
Calcacalcitonin/calcitonin-related polypeptide, alpha
Ngfnerve growth factor