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Targeting TRPV1 to relieve motion sickness symptoms in mice by electroacupuncture and gene deletion
Chanya Inprasit1, Yi-Wen Lin2,3, Chun-Ping Huang2
1College of Chinese Medicine, Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science International Master Program, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.
Abstract:
Motion sickness (MS) is an acute disorder that occurs in healthy individuals worldwide regardless of gender, age, or ethnicity. Our study used a mouse model to rule out the effects of any psychological factors related to MS and EA. Subjects were randomly separated into four groups, namely the control group (Con), motion sickness inducing group (MS), mentioning sickness inducing with electroacupuncture treatment group (EA) and motion sickness inducing only in TRPV1 knockout mice group (TRPV1-/-). The consumption of kaolin, a non-nutrient substance, was measured as a behavior observed response of an emetic reflex in a murine model. This behavior is referred to as pica behavior. Our results showed that pica behavior was observed in the MS group. Moreover, kaolin consumption in the EA group decreased to the average baseline of the control group. A similar result was observed in TRPV1 null mice. We also observed an increase of TRPV1 and related molecules in the thalamus, hypothalamic and brain stem after MS stimulation and a significant decrease in the EA and TRPV1 null groups. This is the first study to demonstrate that TRPV1 pathways are possibly associated with mechanisms of MS, and can be attended through EA or TRPV1 genetic manipulation.
Insights
Electroacupuncture (EA) and TRPV1 gene manipulation significantly reduce motion sickness (MS) behaviors in mice. This study reveals TRPV1 pathways are involved in MS mechanisms, offering new therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Motion sickness (MS) is a common disorder affecting individuals globally.
- Understanding the underlying physiological mechanisms of MS is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the specific molecular pathways involved in MS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) pathways in the mechanisms of motion sickness.
- To evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) and TRPV1 genetic manipulation in mitigating MS symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A murine model was employed to study motion sickness, controlling for psychological factors.
- Subjects were divided into control, MS, EA treatment, and TRPV1 knockout groups.
- Pica behavior (kaolin consumption) was measured as an indicator of the emetic reflex.
Main Results:
- Motion sickness induced significant pica behavior in mice.
- Electroacupuncture treatment and TRPV1 knockout markedly reduced pica behavior.
- MS stimulation increased TRPV1 expression in the thalamus, hypothalamus, and brainstem, which was reversed by EA and in TRPV1 null mice.
Conclusions:
- TRPV1 pathways are implicated in the neurobiological mechanisms of motion sickness.
- Electroacupuncture and TRPV1 genetic manipulation show potential as therapeutic strategies for motion sickness.
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