Excitability changes of DRG neurons and expression of P2X_3 receptor in DRG neurons affected by prostatitis induced by CFA / 第三军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore excitability change of P2X receptor-mediated DRG neurons and expression of P2X_(3) receptor in the DRG neurons affected by prostatic inflammation.Methods ATP-evoked spontaneous firing and the expression of P2X_(3)receptor in the DRG neurons in the L6-S1 spinal cord were investigated by whole-cell patch clamp techniques,Western blotting on day 3,10 after Complete Freund's adjuvant(CFA) irritation of the rat prostate.Results Membrane potential of DRG neurons fluctuated spontaneously under current clamp.Membrane potential of neurons of control group and 3-day CFA irritation group were under threshold potential, and all recorded neurons had not action potential.However,4 of 39 neurons(10.26%) showed spontaneous action potential at membrane potential on day 10 after CFA irritation of prostate.Expression of P2X_(3) receptor increased significantly on day 10 after CFA irritation of the prostate by Western blotting.Conclusion The increase of expression and sensitivity of P2X_(3) receptor may play important roles in the development and maintenance of the pain owing to prostatic inflammation.