Inhibition of the PKCγ-ε Pathway Relieves from Meningeal Nociception in an Animal Model: An Innovative Perspective for Migraine Therapy?

There are convincing evidences that nitric oxide (NO) may be a causative factor in the pathogenesis of migraine. We investigated the consequences of NO donors’ administration on meningeal processes related to the development of migraine pain in an animal model of meningeal nociception. The administration in mice of the NO donors nitroglycerin (GTN) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) produced a delayed meningeal upregulation of interleukin (IL)-1ß and inducible NO synthase (iNOS). A thermal allodynia and hyperalgesia devoid of side effects was produced 1-4 h after administration. To clarify the cellular pathways modulated by GTN and SNP, we examined the expression of cellular factors involved in pain modulation such as protein kinase C (PKC) and its downstream effectors. Western blotting experiments showed an upregulation and increased phosphorylation of PKCγ and PKCε within dura mater following NO donors’ administration. A dramatic PKC-dependent increase of the phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT1) was observed, along with an activation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, as reflected by a reduction of the inhibitory protein-κ-Bα (IκBα). Furthermore, the PKC blocker calphostin C prevented the GTN and SNP-induced pain hypersensitivity. These results suggest the relevance of the PKC-mediated pathway in the induction of meningeal nociception and might help clarify the etiopathology of migraine. We can suggest PKC as a new target for migraine pain.