Upregulation of forebrain NMDA NR2B receptors contributes to behavioral sensitization after inflammation

Long Jun Wu, Hiroki Toyoda, Ming Gao Zhao, Yong Seok Lee, Jianrong Tang, Shanelle W. Ko, Heng Jia Yong, Fanny W.F. Shum, Celina V. Zerbinatti, Guojun Bu, Feng Wei, Tian Le Xu, Louis J. Muglia, Zhou Feng Chen, Yves P. Auberson, Bong Kiun Kaang, Min Zhuo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

188 Scopus citations

Abstract

Transgenic overexpression of NMDA NR2B receptors in forebrain regions increased behavioral responses to persistent inflammatory pain. However, it is not known whether inflammation leads to the upregulation of NR2B receptors in these regions. Here, we show that peripheral inflammation increased the expression of NMDA NR2B receptors and NR2B receptor-mediated synaptic currents in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). In freely moving mice, the increase in NR2B receptors after inflammation contributed to enhanced NMDA receptor-mediated responses in the ACC. Inhibition of NR2B receptors in the ACC selectively reduced behavioral sensitization related to inflammation. Our results demonstrate that the upregulation of NR2B receptors in the ACC contributes to behavioral sensitization caused by inflammation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)11107-11116
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Neuroscience
Volume25
Issue number48
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 30 2005

Keywords

  • Anterior cingulate cortex
  • Hyperalgesia
  • Inflammation
  • NMDA receptors
  • NR2B
  • Pain

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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