Oxytocin receptor: Expression in the trigeminal nociceptive system and potential role in the treatment of headache disorders. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tzabazis, Alexander; Mechanic, Jordan; Miller, James; Klukinov, Michael; Pascual, Conrado; Manering, Neil; Carson, Dean S; Jacobs, Allon; Qiao, Yanli; Cuellar, Jason; Frey, William H; Jacobs, Daniel; Angst, Martin; Yeomans, David C
• Is Part Of: Cephalalgia. Volume 36:Number 10(2016)
• Page Start: 943
• Page End: 950
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Oxytocin -- pain -- headache -- trigeminal -- CGRP -- inflammation; Headache -- Periodicals; 616.8491
• DOI: 10.1177/0333102415618615
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0333-1024

Abstract

Aims: Our studies investigated the location of oxytocin receptors in the peripheral trigeminal sensory system and determined their role in trigeminal pain. Methods: Oxytocin receptor expression and co-localization with calcitonin gene-related peptide was investigated in rat trigeminal ganglion using immunohistochemistry. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the effects of facial electrocutaneous stimulation and adjuvant-induced inflammation of the temporomandibular joint on oxytocin receptor expression in the trigeminal ganglion. Finally, the effects of oxytocin on capsaicin-induced calcitonin gene-related peptide release from dural nociceptors were investigated using isolated rat dura mater. Results: Oxytocin receptor immunoreactivity was present in rat trigeminal neurons. The vast majority of oxytocin receptor immunoreactive neurons co-expressed calcitonin gene-related peptide. Both electrocutaneous stimulation and adjuvant-induced inflammation led to a rapid upregulation of oxytocin receptor protein expression in trigeminal ganglion neurons. Oxytocin significantly and dose-dependently decreased capsaicin-induced calcitonin gene-related peptide release from dural nociceptors. Conclusion: Oxytocin receptor expression in calcitonin gene-related peptide containing trigeminal ganglion neurons, and the blockade of calcitonin gene-related peptide release from trigeminal dural afferents suggests that activation of these receptors may provide therapeutic benefit in patients with migraine and other primary headache disorders.