CRF2 receptor activation prevents colorectal distension induced visceral pain and spinal ERK1/2 phosphorylation in rats

Background and aims: Activation of corticotropin releasing factor 1 (CRF1) receptors is involved in stress related responses and visceral pain, while activation of CRF2 receptors dampens the endocrine and some behavioural stress responses. We hypothesised that CRF2 receptor activation may influence visceral pain induced by colorectal distension (CRD) in conscious rats, and assessed the possible sites and mechanisms of action. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to CRDs (60 mm Hg, 10 minutes twice, with a 10 minute rest interval). Visceromotor responses (VMR) were measured by electromyography or visual observation. Spinal (L6–S1) extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2) activation following in vivo CRD and CRF2 receptor gene expression in the T13–S1 dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal cord were determined. Inferior splanchnic afferent (ISA) activity to CRD (0.4 ml, 20 seconds) was assessed by electrophysiological recording in an in vitro ISA nerve-inferior mesenteric artery (intra-arterial)-colorectal preparation. Results: In controls, VMR to the second CRD was mean 31 (SEM 4)% higher than that of the first (p