Hyperalgesia and upregulation of cytokines and nerve growth factor by cutaneous leishmaniasis in mice

Pain. 2000 Apr;85(3):477-482. doi: 10.1016/S0304-3959(99)00297-3.

Abstract

Classical description of syndromes produced by cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) does not include sensory manifestations such as pain and/or itching, despite the evident upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Using a murine model of CL we report on evident hyperalgesia, as assessed by acute pain tests, and sustained upregulation of interleukin (IL-1beta) and nerve growth factor (NGF). This upregulation, especially that of NGF, may explain the observed hyperalgesia, in the light of recent evidence on the role of cytokines in the sensitization of nerve afferents and the subsequent hyperalgesia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis*
  • Female
  • Hyperalgesia / physiopathology*
  • Hyperalgesia / psychology
  • Immunoassay
  • Interleukin-1 / biosynthesis
  • Leishmania major
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / metabolism*
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / parasitology
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / physiopathology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Nerve Growth Factor / biosynthesis*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Pain Threshold / physiology
  • Reaction Time
  • Time Factors
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / biosynthesis
  • Up-Regulation / physiology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Interleukin-1
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Nerve Growth Factor