Abstract: 【Abstract】Objective To investigate the role of acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) in the spinal cord in a rat model of bone cancer pain. Methods 56 female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats weighting 180-220g were randomly divided into 3 groups: normal group (group I, n=12), sham operation group (group II, n=12), bone cancer pain group (group III, n=32). Body weight and paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) of mechanical stimulus with von-Frey filaments were determined the day before operation and at days 3,5,7,10,14 and 18d after operation. Four animals were killed randomly at 18d after operation in group I and II and at 3,7,10,14 and 18 d after operation in group III. The lumbar segments of the spinal cord was removed for determination of ASIC1a expression (by Western blot). Four animals were sacrificed on the 14th day after operation, the L4-L6 spinal cord segments were removed to measure the expressions of ASIC1a and the colocalization of ASIC1a and Neuronal nuclei (NeuN) in the dorsal horn by immunofluorescence staining. Results Paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) to von-Frey filament stimulation were significantly decreased at 5d [(8.86±2.49)g], 7d [(5.17±1.26)g], 10d [(1.85±0.98)g], 18d [(1.58±0.38)g] after operation (P<0.01) whereas body weight difference were increased in group III at 7-18d as compared with group I and II (P<0.01). Compared with group I and II, ASIC1a expression in spinal cord of group III was significantly increased from day 3-18 after operation (P<0.01), and reached its peak on day 14-18d (P<0.01). Image of immunofluorescence showed increased-ASIC1a concentrated in the superficial laminae (I and II) in the spinal dorsal horn ipsilateral to hind paw of bone cancer pain rats (P<0.01). Double staining showed that ASIC1a was colocalized with NeuN and the number increased on day 14 after operation (P<0.01). Conclusion Expressions of ASIC1a were up-regulated in the superficial dorsal horn neurons of spinal cord in BCP rats. ASIC1a in the spinal cord may be involved in the mechanism of bone cancer pain in rats.
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