An interleukin-33/ST2 signaling deficiency reduces overt pain-like behaviors in mice

Braz J Med Biol Res. 2013 Jul;46(7):601-6. doi: 10.1590/1414-431X20132894. Epub 2013 Jul 16.

Abstract

Interleukin (IL)-33, the most recent member of the IL family of cytokines, signals through the ST2 receptor. IL-33/ST2 signaling mediates antigen challenge-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in the joints and cutaneous tissues of immunized mice. The present study asked whether IL-33/ST2 signaling is relevant to overt pain-like behaviors in mice. Acetic acid and phenyl-p-benzoquinone induced significant writhing responses in wild-type (WT) mice; this overt nociceptive behavior was reduced in ST2-deficient mice. In an antigen-challenge model, ST2-deficient immunized mice had reduced induced flinch and licking overt pain-like behaviors. In the formalin test, ST2-deficient mice also presented reduced flinch and licking responses, compared with WT mice. Naive WT and ST2-deficient mice presented similar responses in the rota-rod, hot plate, and electronic von Frey tests, indicating no impairment of motor function or alteration in basal nociceptive responses. The results demonstrate that IL-33/ST2 signaling is important in the development of overt pain-like behaviors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetic Acid
  • Animals
  • Benzoquinones
  • Homozygote
  • Hot Temperature
  • Hyperalgesia / metabolism*
  • Interleukin-1 Receptor-Like 1 Protein
  • Interleukin-33
  • Interleukins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Motor Activity / physiology
  • Nociception / physiology
  • Nociceptive Pain / chemically induced
  • Nociceptive Pain / physiopathology*
  • Ovalbumin / immunology
  • Pain Measurement / methods*
  • Receptors, Interleukin / deficiency*
  • Rotarod Performance Test
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Benzoquinones
  • Il1rl1 protein, mouse
  • Il33 protein, mouse
  • Interleukin-1 Receptor-Like 1 Protein
  • Interleukin-33
  • Interleukins
  • Receptors, Interleukin
  • phenylbenzoquinone
  • Ovalbumin
  • Acetic Acid