Psychophysical stress increases the expression of phospho-CREB, Fos protein and neurokinin-1 receptors in superficial laminae of trigeminal subnucleus caudalis in female rats

摘要: Psychological stress and estrogen status are risk factors to develop painful temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD); however, the neural basis for this relationship is not known. This study tested hypothesis that repeated forced swim estradiol treatment alter phosphorylation of cAMP responsive element-binding protein (pCREB) in trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc), initial site sensory input from TMJ. Ovariectomized female rats were given low or high dose subjected 3 days on day 4 an intra-TMJ injection mustard oil vehicle was given. Forced alone increased number pCREB-positive neurons, independent TMJ stimulation, superficial deep laminae Vc. also Fos-positive neurons neurokinin-1 receptor mRNA whole dorsal Vc, treatment. These results indicated persistent psychophysical sufficient increase expression pCREB downstream regulated genes associated with enhanced excitability caudal medullary horn, a brainstem region thought be critical TMJD pain.