Inhibition of peripheral anion exchanger 3 decreases formalin-induced pain

We determined the role of chloride-bicarbonate anion exchanger 3 in formalin-induced acute and chronic rat nociception. Formalin (1%) produced acute (first phase) and tonic (second phase) nociceptive behaviors (flinching and licking/lifting) followed by long-lasting evoked secondary mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia in both paws. Local peripheral pre-treatment with the chloride-bicarbonate anion exchanger inhibitors 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid and 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanato-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid prevented formalin-induced nociception mainly during phase 2. These drugs also prevented in a dose-dependent fashion long-lasting evoked secondary mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia in both paws. Furthermore, post-treatment (on day 1 or 6) with 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid reversed established hypersensitivity. Anion exchanger 3 was expressed in dorsal root ganglion neurons and it co-localized with neuronal nuclei protein (NeuN), substance P and purinergic P2X3 receptors. Furthermore, Western blot analysis revealed a band of about 85 kDa indicative of anion exchanger 3 protein expression in dorsal root ganglia of naïve rats, which was enhanced at 1 and 6 days after 1% formalin injection. On the other hand, this rise failed to occur during 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid exposure. These results suggest that anion exchanger 3 is present in dorsal root ganglia and participates in the development and maintenance of short and long-lasting formalin-induced nociception.