Work

Therapeutic potential of 5HT2CR in alleviating spasticity and pain via modulation of motor neurons and interneurons in spinal cord injury

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Numerous adverse outcomes can be resulted in limb spasm and spasticity that occur after spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we used adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors and Cre-driver transgenic mice to selectively overexpress 5-hydroxytryptamine2C receptor (5HT2CR) in motor, GABAergic, and Glutamatergic interneurons. Targeted overexpression in these neuronal populations attenuated spasticity-like responses and hindlimb motor deficits, and improved sensory abnormalities and affective disturbances. These behavioral improvements were associated with changes in potassium chloride cotransporter-2 (KCC2), gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR), and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) expression in spinal cord tissue, indicating that the activity of motor neurons is influenced by the expression of 5HT2CR. This work indicates that 5HT2CR represents a promising target for alleviating spasticity and neuropathic pain after SCI.

Source: iScience

DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.113489

Authors: Han Gong, Zuliyaer Talifu, Yu-Zhe Sun, Zhao-Ming Yue, Xiao-Xia Du, Liang-Jie Du

Institutions: China Rehabilitation Research Center, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Beihang University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College

Language: English

Topic: Spinal Cord Injury Research

Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,240