Role of complement C5a component in evoked responses at spinal cord neurons in rats with established neuropathic pain

• Grant number: 15/00764-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: May 15, 2015
• End date: May 08, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Biochemical and Molecular Pharmacology
• Principal Investigator: Thiago Mattar Cunha
• Grantee: Andreza Urba de Quadros
• Supervisor: Victoria Chapman
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Nottingham, University Park, England
• Associated to the scholarship: 13/03758-1 - Role of D6 receptor in development and maintenance of chronic neuropathic pain, BP.DR

Abstract

One of the main challenges in analgesic therapy is the treatment of chronic pain. This type of pain is characterized as a debilitating disease, and affects more than 100 million Americans. It is believed that about one third of the population will have some type of chronic pain throughout life. Among types of chronic pain, we highlight neuropathic pain. Since the 80s, the pronociceptive effects of some components of the complement system have been studied and because the ability of C5a in exert broad effects on the inflammatory process, both in the periphery, as well as in the central nervous system, it has generated increasing interest from investigators. Although the relevance of the C5a component of neuropathic pain appears consolidated, little is known about the mechanisms by which C5a participates in this process. Thus, the main aim of project in Brazil is evaluate the role of C5a component in the induction and maintenance of chronic neuropathic pain, focusing on its mechanisms, both in the periphery and the central nervous system (spinal cord). We have some results showing that this role is mediate, in part, indirectly, by cytokines and chemokines. But, the main question now, is if C5a can modulate directly nociceptive neurons at spinal cord, promoting a long-term sensitization during neuropathy. There isn't any work in this way, in vitro or in vivo. Thus, our proposed aim is investigate the modulation of C5a directly in A and C fibers activity during neuropathy, in spinal cord. (AU)