Involvement of Mrgprd-expressing nociceptors-recruited spinal mechanisms in nerve injury-induced mechanical allodynia

Mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia are intractable symptoms lacking effective clinical treatments in patients with neuropathic pain. However, whether and how mechanically responsive non-peptidergic nociceptors are involved remains elusive. Here, we showed that von Frey-evoked static allodynia and aversion, along with mechanical hyperalgesia after spared nerve injury (SNI) were reduced by ablation of MrgprdCreERT2-marked neurons. Electrophysiological recordings revealed that SNI-opened Aβ-fiber inputs to laminae I-IIo and vIIi, as well as C-fiber inputs to vIIi, were all attenuated in Mrgprd-ablated mice. In addition, priming chemogenetic or optogenetic activation of Mrgprd+ neurons drove mechanical allodynia and aversion to low-threshold mechanical stimuli, along with mechanical hyperalgesia. Mechanistically, gated Aβ and C inputs to vIIi were opened, potentially via central sensitization by dampening potassium currents. Altogether, we uncovered the involvement of Mrgprd+ nociceptors in nerve injury-induced mechanical pain and dissected the underlying spinal mechanisms, thus providing insights into potential therapeutic targets for pain management.