Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2025

The Sciatic Nerve Cuffing Model of Neuropathic Pain in Mice
Published on: July 16, 2014
Neuroligins facilitate the development of bone cancer pain via regulating synaptic transmission: an experimental
Xianqiao Xie1, Yang Li2, Shanchun Su2
1Hubei University of Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Institute of Anesthesiology & Pain (IAP), Department of Anesthesiology, Shiyan, Hubei, China; Suizhou Central Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology, Suizhou, China.
Background:
The underlying mechanism of chronic pain involves the plasticity in synaptic receptors and neurotransmitters. This study aimed to investigate potential roles of Neuroligins (NLs) within the spinal dorsal horn of rats in a newly established Bone Cancer Pain (BCP) model. The objective was to explore the mechanism of neuroligin involved in the occurrence and development of bone cancer pain.
Methods:
Using our rat BCP model, we assessed pain hypersensitivity over time. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were performed to investigate NL expression, and NLs were overexpressed in the rat spinal cord using lentiviral vectors. Immunofluorescence staining and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were deployed to investigate the role of NLs in the development of BCP.
Results:
We observed reduced expression levels of NL1 and NL2, but not of NL3, within the rat spinal cord, which were found to be associated with and essential for the development of BCP in our model. Accordingly, NL1 or NL2 overexpression in the spinal cord alleviated mechanical hypersensitivity of rats. Electrophysiological experiments indicated that NL1 and NL2 are involved in BCP via regulating γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic interneuronal synapses and the activity of glutamatergic interneuronal synapses, respectively.
Conclusions:
Our observations unravel the role of NLs in cancer-related chronic pain and further suggest that inhibitory mechanisms are central features of BCP in the spinal dorsal horn. These results provide a new perspective and basis for subsequent studies elucidating the onset and progression of BCP.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Blood and Nerve Supply to the Bones
Nutrient Artery
The nutrient artery is the main blood vessel that enters the diaphysis via the nutrient foramen. While most long bones have only one nutrient foramen, large bones, such as the femur, may have two. This...
Nociception
Pain
Analgesia and Pain Management
Neural Regulation

