Membrane protein Nav1.7 contributes to the persistent post-surgical pain regulated by p-p65 in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of SMIR rats model

BACKGROUND: Persistent post-surgical pain is a difficult clinical problem. In this study, we intend to explore the mechanism underlying the persistent post-surgical pain in SMIR (skin/muscle incision and retraction) rats. METHODS: First of all, the expression of membrane protein Nav1.7 and p-p65 (Phosphorylation of p65) were detected in ipsilateral L4–6 DRGs of SMIR rats by western-blot and immunostaining. Then with ProTx-II (Nav1.7 blocker) or PDTC (p65 inhibitor) were intrathecally injected while the change of Nav1.7 expression and mechanical withdrawal threshold were detected. Finally chromatin immunoprecipitation assay method was used to detect whether could p-p65 bind in the Nav1.7 gene promoter region directly. RESULTS: The results shows that mechanical hyperalgesia occurs following SMIR model, from 5 day (d) and lasted more than 20d after surgery. Meanwhile, the expression of Nav1.7 was up-regulated at 10d, 15d and 20d after surgery compared with naïve group. The expression of p-p65 was up-regulated at 10d and 15d compared with incision group. The mechanical hyperalgesia induced by SMIR was reversed after blocking Nav1.7 or inhibiting p65. Furthermore, Nav1.7 expression was down-regulated when p-p65 was inhibited and p-p65 could combine with the Nav1.7 gene promoter region directly. CONCLUSION: Membrane protein Nav1.7 could participate in the peripheral sensitization of persistent post-surgical pain, which may be regulated by p-p65.