Figure 6: Loss of IRF5 abrogates PNI-induced tactile allodynia without affecting acute pain sensation or inflammatory pain.
From: Transcription factor IRF5 drives P2X4R+-reactive microglia gating neuropathic pain
(a,b) PWT of Irf5−/− and WT littermates (Irf5+/+) before and after PNI (n=6; ***P<0.001 versus Pre; ##P<0.01, ###P<0.001 versus the ipsilateral side of WT mice). (c) Upper: representative western immunoblots of IRF5 in the spinal cords of mice treated with control or IRF8 siRNAs 7 days after PNI. Lower: relative band density ratios of IRF5 (normalized to β-actin) to control RNA (n=6). (d) Reversal of PNI-induced allodynia by intrathecal administration of IRF5 siRNA (20 pmol) once a day for 2 days (on day 5 and 6 after PNI) in WT mice (n=6). (e) Hot-plate test of which values represent the latencies for animals to lick their hindpaws or jump (n=6). (f) Tail-flick test of which values represent the latencies to flick their tail from the heat source (n=6). (g) Formalin test of which values indicate the duration of nociceptive behaviours (n=8). (h) Total duration (sec) of nociceptive behaviours for 0–5 min (1st phase) and for 10–60 min (2nd phase) (n=8). (i) PWT of Irf5+/+ and Irf5−/− mice before and after intraplantar CFA injection (n=4, **P<0.01, ***P<0.001 versus Pre). Values are the mean±s.e.m. Full-size blots are shown in Supplementary Fig. 12.
