Selective sensitization of C-fiber nociceptors by hydrogen sulfide

J Pharmacol Sci. 2016 Jan;130(1):38-41. doi: 10.1016/j.jphs.2015.12.009. Epub 2016 Jan 6.

Abstract

We examined the effects of intraplantar (i.pl.) administration of NaHS, an H2S donor, known to cause T-type Ca(2+) channel (T-channel)-dependent mechanical hyperalgesia, on responsiveness to electric stimulation with 5, 250 and 2000 Hz sine waves (SW) that selectively excites C, Aδ and Aβ fibers, respectively. NaHS, given i.pl., caused behavioral hypersensitivity to SW stimulation at 5 Hz, but not 250 or 2000 Hz, in rats. NaHS also enhanced phosphorylation of spinal ERK following 5 Hz SW stimulation. Three distinct T-channel blockers abolished the NaHS-induced behavioral hypersensitivity to 5 Hz SW stimulation. Thus, H2S selectively sensitizes C-fiber nociceptors via T-channels.

Keywords: C-fiber nociceptor; Hydrogen sulfide; T-type calcium channel.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / pharmacology*
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / therapeutic use
  • Calcium Channels, T-Type / physiology*
  • Electric Stimulation / methods
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / metabolism
  • Hydrogen Sulfide / pharmacology*
  • Hyperalgesia / drug therapy
  • Hyperalgesia / etiology*
  • Male
  • Nociceptors / drug effects*
  • Nociceptors / metabolism
  • Nociceptors / physiology*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Spinal Cord / enzymology
  • Sulfides / administration & dosage
  • Sulfides / adverse effects

Substances

  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Calcium Channels, T-Type
  • Sulfides
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases
  • sodium bisulfide
  • Hydrogen Sulfide