In this study, we investigated a role for Nrf2/HO-1/CO in mediating vincristine-induced neuroinflammation by inhibiting connexin 43 (Cx43) production in the spinal cord following the intrathecal application of the HO-1 inducer protoporphyrin IX cobalt chloride (CoPP) or inhibitor protoporphyrin IX zinc (ZnPP), and we analyzed the underlying mechanisms by which levo-corydalmine (l-CDL, a tetrahydroprotoberberine) attenuates vincristine-induced pain.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to determine HO-1 protein levels on POD 1. von Frey testing showed significantly greater pain hypersensitivity in the control and PBS/CS groups than the bFGF/CS group.
This study confirmed that only vigorous and longer duration aerobic exercise increased Nrf2 protein level in the hippocampus and HO-1 protein level in the cortex and reduced pain perception.