Targeting Histamine H3 Receptors to Suppress NGF-Driven Hyperexcitability in Neuropathic Pain

Abstract

Peripheral nerve injury induces long-lasting changes in sensory neurons that contribute to the development of neuropathic pain. Although the histamine H3 receptor (H3R) is best known for regulating neurotransmitter release in the central nervous system, its expression and role in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined the expression, cellular distribution, and functional role of H3 R in DRG and implications in neuropathic pain. Sciatic nerve injury increased membrane-associated H3R protein expression in the DRG, suggesting enhanced receptor trafficking or stabilization at the neuronal membrane. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis revealed that H3R mRNA expression in DRG is predominantly restricted in peptidergic sensory neurons and C-LTMRs neurons. Fluorescence imaging and transcriptomic analysis also suggest that the majority of H3R co-express with TrkA (a NGF receptor) sensory neuron populations. These findings identify a subset of NGF-responsive nociceptors in which H3R may directly influence injury-induced sensitization. Pain behavior assessment demonstrated a paradoxical role of an H3R inverse agonist (GSK334429), which reduces mechanical hypersensitivity caused by chronic constriction injury (CCI) with no change in thermal pain. Patch-clamp recordings show that the GSK334429 attenuates NGF-induced hyperexcitability in DRG neuronal cultures. Overall, our work suggests a contributing role of H3R in modality-specific effects on sensory processing through its enrichment in specific neuronal populations in DRG.