DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/C6FX-DY74

Defense Date

2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Physiology

First Advisor

Liya Qiao

Second Advisor

John R. Grider

Third Advisor

Janina P. Lewis

Abstract

Visceral hypersensitivity is the heightened response to sensory stimuli. Visceral sensations are transmitted through primary afferent neurons in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and the sensitization of the neural pathway leads to modification in spinal ascending and descending neurons. The aim of this investigation is to determine the effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its signaling pathway on sensory neuronal activation during colitis. In order to evaluate this, levels of calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP), a neuropeptide marker for nociceptive transmission, and phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding protein (pCREB), a molecular switch in neuronal plasticity, were studied in response to BDNF in vivo and in vitro. Colitis caused an increase in the levels of CGRP and pCREB in thoracolumbar DRG, which was attenuated by BDNF neutralizing antibody and PLC inhibitor, U73122, but not PI3K inhibitor, LY294002. BDNF-induced CGRP expression and CREB activation in DRG culture was also blocked by PLC inhibitor, U73122, but not PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, or MEK kinase inhibitor, PD98059. These results suggest a unique signaling pathway, i.e. the PLC-γ pathway, is mediating BDNF action on sensory neuronal activation during colitis.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

7-23-2015

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