Thrombospondin-4 Contributes to Spinal Sensitization and Neuropathic Pain States

• DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.6494-11.2012
• Publication Date: 2012-08-01T18:04:46Z
• Authors: D.-S. Kim; K.-W. Li; A. Boroujerdi; Y. Peter Yu; C.-Y. Zhou; P. Deng; J. Park; X. Zhang; J. Lee; M. Corpe; K. Sharp; O. Steward; C. Eroglu; B. Barres; F. Zaucke; Z. C. Xu; Z. D. Luo
• Keywords: Nerve Injury

Neuropathic pain is a common cause of after nerve injury, but its molecular basis poorly understood. In post-gene chip microarray effort to identify new target genes contributing neuropathic development, we report here the characterization novel contributor, thrombospondin-4 (TSP4), using model spinal ligation injury. TSP4 mainly expressed in astrocytes and significantly upregulated injury side dorsal cord that correlates with development states. blockade by intrathecal antibodies, antisense oligodeoxynucleotides, or inactivation <i>TSP4</i> gene reverses prevents behavioral hypersensitivities. Intrathecal injection protein into naive rats sufficient enhance frequency EPSCs horn neurons, suggesting an increased excitatory presynaptic input, similar Together, these findings support injury-induced may contribute hypersensitivity Development antagonists has therapeutic potential for target-specific management.