Synaptotagmin 1 Is Involved in Neuropathic Pain and Electroacupuncture-Mediated Analgesic Eﬀect

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2020 · DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030968 · Published: January 31, 2020

Alternative Medicine Pain Management Genetics

Simple Explanation

This study investigates the role of Synaptotagmin 1 (Syt-1) in neuropathic pain and how electroacupuncture (EA) can alleviate this pain. The researchers used antibody blockade, siRNA silencing, and overexpression techniques on spinal Syt-1 in rats with spared nerve injury (SNI) to assess Syt-1's effect on pain. EA was applied to specific acupoints in SNI rats to see its impact on pain thresholds and Syt-1 expression in the spinal cord.

Study Duration

20 days

Participants

Sprague-Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Syt-1 antibody blockade and siRNA silencing increased pain thresholds in SNI rats.
2
Overexpression of Syt-1 decreased pain thresholds in rats.
3
EA attenuated pain and downregulated Syt-1 protein levels in the spinal cord, which was reversed by Syt-1 overexpression.

Research Summary

The study demonstrates that Syt-1 plays a role in the development of neuropathic pain. Electroacupuncture can alleviate neuropathic pain, possibly by suppressing Syt-1 protein expression in the spinal cord. The findings suggest a new strategy for intervening in neuropathic pain by targeting Syt-1.

Practical Implications

Drug Development

Targeting Syt-1 could offer new avenues for developing drugs to treat neuropathic pain.

Acupuncture Therapy

The study provides a mechanistic understanding of how electroacupuncture can alleviate neuropathic pain, supporting its use as a complementary therapy.

Personalized Treatment

Identifying Syt-1 levels in patients could help tailor treatment strategies for neuropathic pain.

Study Limitations

1
The roles of supraspinal Syt-1 in EA-induced relief of neuropathic pain were not involved in this study.
2
The way EA regulates the expression of Syt-1 remains unclear.
3
The limited data in the study only established a preliminary link between the Syt-1-induced pronociception and EA-mediated antinociception under the neuropathic states.

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