Chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglion activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in rats / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the effect of chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglion (CCD) on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in the spinal dorsal horns of rats.Methods:Forty-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham group ( n=9) and a CCD group ( n=33). The CCD group was subdivided into a 1d group ( n=6), a 3d group ( n=6), a 7d group ( n=9), a 14d group ( n=6), and a 28d group ( n=6) based on the post-operative time of the experiments. Before the operation for CCD and 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days afterward the mechanical withdrawal threshold was detected for all rats. Western blotting was conducted to detect the expression of active β-catenin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after the surgery. Seven days after the operation immunofluorescence was employed to detect the nuclear translocation of active β-catenin and the activation of astrocytes in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Results:The average mechanical withdrawal thresholds of the CCD groups were significantly lower than that of the sham group at each time point. The western blotting showed that the expression of active β-catenin in the CCD groups was significantly greater than in the sham group at each time point. Seven days after compression the expression of GFAP in the rats′ dorsal horns was significantly higher than in the sham group. Immunofluorescence indicated nuclear translocation of active β-catenin and the activation of astrocytes in the dorsal horn.Conclusion:The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways are significantly activated in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord after CCD, at least in rats. It may play an important role in the development of neuropathic pain.