Contribution of Sigma Receptor Activation to Neuropathic Pain

本申请提出了一个培训和研究计划，以扩大候选人的未来前景， 在疼痛研究中实现独立。这位候选人表现出了他对研究的奉献精神， 主动性和高生产力在以前的调查，但他需要熟悉更广泛的 实验方法，以充分探索疼痛病理生理学，并在独立的资金竞争力。 导师Hogan博士是一位知名的临床医生/科学家，他在医学领域的动态研究 威斯康星州学院提供了一个理想的环境，候选人成为一个高生产力的独立 研究员该计划将帮助候选人实现以下目标：1）建立现代科学 知识，获得最新的研究技能，并完善关键的分析能力; 2）提供课程， 互动的设置，将扩大作为一个科学家的独立性; 3）应用这些新知识，以检查的作用 σ受体（aR）在创伤性痛性神经病和炎性疼痛中的作用。感觉神经元，包括 背根神经节（DRG）中的神经元胞体在神经创伤和炎症后发生功能异常 会导致疼痛尽管已经提出了许多触发这些衰弱 条件下，没有一个被确定为临床相关的途径。 所提出的研究将检验中心假设，即在伤害性感觉神经元中aIR受体的激活， 神经元通过抑制钙信号传导导致神经性和炎性疼痛。具体目标1 将确定在神经损伤和注射完整的 弗氏佐剂。具体目标2将定义基线下初级感觉神经元中olR的表达。 条件具体目标3将检查体外olR激活的功能后果，包括对 内向Ca 2+电流、神经元兴奋性和细胞内Ca 2+信号传导。具体目标4将确定 alR活性对神经损伤和炎症后变化的表达和功能贡献。这些 所提出的实验将采用包括分子和细胞生物学方法的会聚方法， 免疫组织化学和活细胞成像、电生理记录和行为评价。的 该计划将建立候选人在电生理学，分子生物学， 神经药理学，并为建立一个考虑olR的独立研究计划提供基础 疼痛阿片类药物耐受性和成瘾性 相关性（参见说明）： 探讨初级感觉神经元al R在痛觉中的作用，可能为进一步研究痛觉提供新的思路。 对目前可用的治疗有抵抗力的疼痛状况的治疗途径。

This application proposes a program of training and research to expand the candidate's future prospects in achieving independence in pain research. The candidate has demonstrated his dedication to research and his initiative and high productivity in prior investigations, but he requires familiarity with a broader range of experimental approaches to fully explore pain pathophysiology and to be competitive in independent funding. The mentor. Dr. Hogan, is a well-established clinician/scientist, and the dynamic research surrounding at Medical College of Wisconsin provides an ideal environment for the candidate to become a highly productive independent researcher. The program will help the candidate to accomplish the following goals: 1) establish modern scientific knowledge, acquire the newest research skills, and refine critical analytical abilities; 2) provide coursework and interactive settings that will expand independence as a scientist; 3) apply this new knowledge to examine the role of sigma receptors (aR) in traumatic painful neuropathy and inflammatory pain. Sensory neurons, including their somata in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), develop abnormal function following nerve trauma and inflammation that contributes to pain. Although numerous triggers have been proposed for initiating these debilitating conditions, none has been established as a clinically relevant pathway. The proposed studies will examine the central hypothesis that activation of alR receptors in nociceptive sensory neurons contributes to neuropathic and inflammatory pain through inhibition of calcium signaling. Specific Aim 1 will determine the effects of olR ligands on behavioral hyperalgesia after nerve injury and injection of complete Freund's adjuvant. Specific Aim 2 will define the expression of olR in primary sensory neurons under baseline conditions. Specific Aim 3 will examine functional consequences of olR activation in vitro, including effects on inward Ca2+ currents, neuronal excitability, and intracellular Ca2+ signaling. Specific Aim 4 will identify expression and functional contributions of alR activity to changes after nerve injury and inflammation. These proposed experiments will employ convergent approaches including molecular and cell biological methods, immunohistochemical and live cell imaging, electrophysiological recording, and behavioral evaluation. The program will establish the candidate's new expertise in electrophysiology, molecular biology, and neuropharmacology and provide the foundation for establishing an independent research program considering olR in pain, opioid tolerance, and addiction. RELEVANCE (See instructions): Exploration of the contributions of al R in prinnary sensory neurons to pain sensation may provide a new therapeutic pathway for pain conditions that are resistant to currently available treatments.