Inhibition of visceral hypersensitivity in rats by decreased expression of Nav1.8 / 中华消化杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the effect of inhibiting the expression of Navl. 8 sodium channels by an antisense oligodeoxynudeotide(ODN) on visceral hypersensitivity. Methods The visceral hypersensitivity animal models induced by giving neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats colorectal distention(CRD) after postnatal days 8, 10 and 12. Animals were injected intrathecally either Navl. 8 antisense ODN (research group) or mismatch ODN (control group) twice a day for 3 days at the 8th week. After that, the expression of Navl. 8 in each group was examined by RT-PCR, and abdomiral withdrawal reflex(AWR) score and spinal c-Fos expression were evaluated to assess whether the intervention can relieve the visceral hypersensitivity. Results After intrathecal injection with the antisense ODN, the expression of Navl. 8 in each group decreased.AWR score and the number of c-Fos positive neurons in the spinal cord, especially in the area 1 and 3, decreased in the model group, while they did not change in the control group. Conclusions Interventing the expression of Nav1.8 may relieve the visceral hypersensitivity in this model of irritable bowel syndrome.