Botulinum toxin type A-targeted SPP1 contributes to neuropathic pain by the activation of microglia pyroptosis

Figure 4 SPP1 targeted by botulinum toxin type A enhances microglia pyroptosis during neuropathic pain induced by spared nerve injury in rat. A-G: The spared nerve injury model was established in SD rats and the rats were treated with control short hairpin RNA (shRNA) or SPP1 shRNA, or co-treated with botulinum toxin type A. The mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency were analyzed in the rats (A and B). The expression of SPP1, ACS, and GSDMD-N was measured by western blot in spinal cord of the rats (C). The levels of IBA1 and SPP1 were detected by immunofluorescence in spinal cord of the rats (D). The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (E-G). ^aP < 0.05, ^bP < 0.01, ^cP < 0.001. TNF: Tumor necrosis factor; IL: Interleukin; BTX-A: Botulinum toxin type A.