Superoxide anion-induced pain and inflammation depends on TNFα/TNFR1 signaling in mice

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 5, 2026

Author Spotlight: Enhanced Method for Evaluating Analgesic Effects — Dual Hind Paw Carrageenan Injection in Mice
06:54

Author Spotlight: Enhanced Method for Evaluating Analgesic Effects — Dual Hind Paw Carrageenan Injection in Mice

Published on: November 15, 2024

3.0K

Fabiane Y Yamacita-Borin1, Ana C Zarpelon2, Felipe A Pinho-Ribeiro2

  • 1Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Rod. Celso Garcia Cid KM380 PR445, Cx Postal 10.011, Londrina, Paraná, CEP 86057-970, Brazil; Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Av. Robert Koch 60, Londrina, Paraná, CEP 86038-350, Brazil.

Neuroscience Letters
|August 21, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Superoxide anion triggers pain and inflammation, which is dependent on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) signaling via TNFR1. Inhibiting TNFα/TNFR1 signaling reduces oxidative stress and pain, clarifying their interrelation.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and superoxide anion production are key mediators of inflammation and pain.
  • Understanding the interplay between TNFα and superoxide anion in pain signaling is crucial for developing effective analgesics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if superoxide anion-induced pain relies on TNFα signaling.
  • To determine the role of superoxide anion in TNFα-induced hyperalgesia.
  • To elucidate the interrelation between TNFα and superoxide anion in pain.

Main Methods:

  • Intraplantar injection of a superoxide anion donor (potassium superoxide) in wild-type mice.
  • Assessment of mechanical hyperalgesia, neutrophil recruitment (myeloperoxidase activity), and pain-like behaviors.
  • Utilized tumor necrosis factor receptor 1-deficient (TNFR1-/-) mice and etanercept treatment.
  • Administered Apocynin (NADPH oxidase inhibitor) or Tempol (superoxide dismutase mimetic).

Main Results:

  • Superoxide anion donor induced hyperalgesia, neutrophil recruitment, and pain behaviors in wild-type mice.
  • TNFR1 deficiency and etanercept treatment inhibited superoxide anion-induced pain and oxidative stress.
  • Apocynin or Tempol treatment attenuated TNFα-induced hyperalgesia and neutrophil recruitment.

Conclusions:

  • TNFα/TNFR1 signaling is critical for superoxide anion-induced pain.
  • TNFα/TNFR1 signaling amplifies superoxide anion-induced oxidative stress, sustaining pain and inflammation.
  • Targeting the TNFα/superoxide anion pathway offers a potential strategy for pain management.
Keywords:
HyperalgesiaInflammationOxidative stressSuperoxide anionTNFR1TNFα

More Related Videos

Development of Recombinant Proteins to Treat Chronic Pain10:37

Development of Recombinant Proteins to Treat Chronic Pain

Published on: April 11, 2018

10.1K
Assessment of Knee Hyperalgesia in Mice using Pressure Application Measurement04:22

Assessment of Knee Hyperalgesia in Mice using Pressure Application Measurement

Published on: June 13, 2025

912

Related Concept Videos

Nociception01:44

Nociception

Nociception—the ability to feel pain—is essential for an organism’s survival and overall well-being. Noxious stimuli such as piercing pain from a sharp object, heat from an open flame, or contact with corrosive chemicals are first detected by sensory receptors, called nociceptors, located on nerve endings. Nociceptors express ion channels that convert noxious stimuli into electrical signals. When these signals reach the brain via sensory neurons, they are perceived as pain.
34.8K
Analgesia and Pain Management01:25

Analgesia and Pain Management

Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
3.1K