scholarly journals Reciprocal Regulatory Interaction between TRPV1 and Kinin B1 Receptor in a Rat Neuropathic Pain Model

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 821 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronica Cernit ◽  
Jacques Sénécal ◽  
Rahmeh Othman ◽  
Réjean Couture
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Thermal Hyperalgesia ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Regulatory Interaction ◽  
B1 Receptor ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Kinin B1 Receptor ◽  
Sensory Fibers

Kinins are mediators of pain and inflammation and evidence suggests that the inducible kinin B1 receptor (B1R) is involved in neuropathic pain (NP). This study investigates whether B1R and TRPV1 are colocalized on nociceptors and/or astrocytes to enable regulatory interaction either directly or through the cytokine pathway (IL-1β, TNF-α) in NP. Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to unilateral partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL) and treated from 14 to 21 days post-PSNL with antagonists of B1R (SSR240612, 10 mg·kg−1, i.p.) or TRPV1 (SB366791, 1 mg·kg−1, i.p.). The impact of these treatments was assessed on nociceptive behavior and mRNA expression of B1R, TRPV1, TNF-α, and IL-1β. Localization on primary sensory fibers, astrocytes, and microglia was determined by immunofluorescence in the lumbar spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Both antagonists suppressed PSNL-induced thermal hyperalgesia, but only SB366791 blunted mechanical and cold allodynia. SSR240612 reversed PSNL-induced enhanced protein and mRNA expression of B1R and TRPV1 mRNA levels in spinal cord while SB366791 further increased B1R mRNA/protein expression. B1R and TRPV1 were found in non-peptide sensory fibers and astrocytes, and colocalized in the spinal dorsal horn and DRG, notably with IL-1β on astrocytes. IL-1β mRNA further increased under B1R or TRPV1 antagonism. Data suggest that B1R and TRPV1 contribute to thermal hyperalgesia and play a distinctive role in allodynia associated with NP. Close interaction and reciprocal regulatory mechanism are suggested between B1R and TRPV1 on astrocytes and nociceptors in NP.

scholarly journals Gastrodia elata Blume Polysaccharides Attenuate Vincristine-Evoked Neuropathic Pain through the Inhibition of Neuroinflammation

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Hengtao Xie ◽  
Yingying Chen ◽  
Wei Wu ◽  
Xiaobo Feng ◽  
Kairong Du
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Sciatic Nerve ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Thermal Hyperalgesia ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Gastrodia Elata ◽  
Neuroprotective Effects ◽  
Gastrodia Elata Blume ◽  
Tnf Α

Vincristine (Vin) is a well-known antitumor agent that frequently evokes neuropathic pain and decreases the quality of life of patients. Polysaccharides (GBP) extracted from Gastrodia elata Blume have been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in vivo; however, the effects of GBP on Vin-induced neuropathic pain remain unknown. The present study is aimed at exploring the alleviative potential of GBP against chemotherapy-evoked peripheral neuropathy to better understand and extend its pharmacological application. Vin was administered intraperitoneally to evoke neuropathic pain. GBP was orally administered for 21 days. The mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were assessed using the Von Frey test and hot-plate test. Histopathological changes were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. ELISA kits were used to measure the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the sciatic nerve, spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglion (DRG). qRT-PCR was employed to examine the expression of inflammatory cytokines and Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) in the sciatic nerve, spinal cord, and DRG. Our findings revealed that GBP treatment enhanced the paw withdrawal latency and paw withdrawal threshold and restored Vin-induced sciatic nerve damage in rats. GBP also attenuated the Vin-induced increase of proinflammatory cytokine levels, including IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB. On the molecular level, treatment with GBP downregulated the mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and IL-1β in the sciatic nerve, spinal cord, and DRG. Meanwhile, GBP increased SIRT1 activity and mRNA expression levels. Our data indicated that GBP exerted a potential protective effect against chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain which might be mediated via the inhibition of neuroinflammation.

scholarly journals Short-chain fatty acids contribute to neuropathic pain via regulating microglia activation and polarization

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 174480692199652
Author(s):  
Feng Zhou ◽  
Xian Wang ◽  
Baoyu Han ◽  
Xiaohui Tang ◽  
Ru Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Thermal Hyperalgesia ◽  
Short Chain Fatty Acids ◽  
Antibiotic Administration ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Microglia Polarization ◽  
Inflammatory Phenotype ◽  
Phenotype Markers ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Microglia activation and subsequent pro-inflammatory responses play a key role in the development of neuropathic pain. The process of microglia polarization towards pro-inflammatory phenotype often occurs during neuroinflammation. Recent studies have demonstrated an active role for the gut microbiota in promoting microglial full maturation and inflammatory capabilities via the production of Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs). However, it remains unclear whether SCFAs is involved in pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory phenotypes microglia polarization in the neuropathic pain. In the present study, chronic constriction injury (CCI) was used to induce neuropathic pain in mice, the mechanical withdrawal threshold, thermal hyperalgesia were accomplished. The levels of microglia markers including ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), cluster of differentiation 11b (CD11b), pro-inflammatory phenotype markers including CD68, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and anti-inflammatory phenotype markers including CD206, IL-4 in the hippocampus and spinal cord were determined on day 21 after CCI. The results showed that CCI produced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, and also increased the expressions of microglia markers (Iba1, CD11b) and pro-inflammatory phenotype markers (CD68, IL-1β, and TNF-α), but not anti-inflammatory phenotype marker (CD206, IL-4) in the hippocampus and spinal cord, accompanied by increased SCFAs in the gut. Notably, antibiotic administration reversed these abnormalities, and its effects was also bloked by SCFAs administration. In conclusion, data from our study suggest that CCI can lead to mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, while SCFAs play a key role in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain by regulating microglial activation and subsequent pro-inflammatory phenotype polarization. Antibiotic administration may be a new treatment for neuropathic pain by reducing the production of SCFAs and further inhibiting the process of microglia polarization.

scholarly journals Fumagillin Attenuates Spinal Angiogenesis, Neuroinflammation, and Pain in Neuropathic Rats After Chronic Constriction Injury

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi-Hong Wen ◽  
Shi-Ying Huang ◽  
Hsiao-Mei Kuo ◽  
Chao-Ting Chen ◽  
Nan-Fu Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Chronic Constriction Injury ◽  
Angiogenesis Inhibitor ◽  
Thermal Hyperalgesia ◽  
Lumbar Spinal Cord ◽  
Astrocyte Activation ◽  
Anti Vegf ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Angiogenesis in the central nervous system is visible in animal models of neuroinflammation and bone cancer pain. However, whether spinal angiogenesis exists and contributes to central sensitization in neuropathic pain remains unclear. This study analyzed the impact of angiogenesis on spinal neuroinflammation in neuropathic pain. Methods Rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) to sciatic nerve underwent implantation of an intrathecal catheter. Fumagillin or vascular endothelial growth factor-A antibody (anti-VEGF-A) was administered intrathecally. Nociceptive behaviors, cytokine immunoassay, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis assessed the effect of angiogenesis inhibition on CCI-induced neuropathic pain. Results VEGF, cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), and von Willebrand factor (vWF) expressions increased after CCI in the ipsilateral lumbar spinal cord compared to that in the contralateral side of CCI and control rats from postoperative day (POD) 7 to 28, with a peak at POD 14. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 concentrations, but not IL-10 levels, also increased in the ipsilateral spinal cord after CCI. Fumagillin and anti-VEGF-A reduced CCI-induced thermal hyperalgesia from POD 5 to 14 and mechanical allodynia from POD 3 to 14. Fumagillin reduced CCI-upregulated expressions of angiogenic factors and astrocytes. Furthermore, fumagillin decreased TNF-α and IL-6 amounts and increased IL-10 levels at POD 7 and 14, but not IL-1β concentrations. Conclusions Fumagillin significantly ameliorates CCI-induced nociceptive sensitization, spinal angiogenesis and astrocyte activation. Our results suggest that angiogenesis inhibitor treatment suppresses peripheral neuropathy-induced central angiogenesis, neuroinflammation, astrocyte activation, and neuropathic pain.

scholarly journals Fumagillin Attenuates Spinal Angiogenesis, Neuroinflammation, and Pain in Neuropathic Rats after Chronic Constriction Injury

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1187
Author(s):  
Zhi-Hong Wen ◽  
Shi-Ying Huang ◽  
Hsiao-Mei Kuo ◽  
Chao-Ting Chen ◽  
Nan-Fu Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Chronic Constriction Injury ◽  
Angiogenesis Inhibitor ◽  
Thermal Hyperalgesia ◽  
Lumbar Spinal Cord ◽  
Astrocyte Activation ◽  
Anti Vegf ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Angiogenesis in the central nervous system is visible in animal models of neuroinflammation and bone cancer pain. However, whether spinal angiogenesis exists and contributes to central sensitization in neuropathic pain remains unclear. This study analyzes the impact of angiogenesis on spinal neuroinflammation in neuropathic pain. Methods: Rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) to the sciatic nerve underwent the implantation of an intrathecal catheter. Fumagillin or vascular endothelial growth factor-A antibody (anti-VEGF-A) was administered intrathecally. Nociceptive behaviors, cytokine immunoassay, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis assessed the effect of angiogenesis inhibition on CCI-induced neuropathic pain. Results: VEGF, cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), and von Willebrand factor (vWF) expressions increased after CCI in the ipsilateral lumbar spinal cord compared to that in the contralateral side of CCI and control rats from post-operative day (POD) 7 to 28, with a peak at POD 14. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 concentrations, but not IL-10 levels, also increased in the ipsilateral spinal cord after CCI. Fumagillin and anti-VEGF-A reduced CCI-induced thermal hyperalgesia from POD 5 to 14 and mechanical allodynia from POD 3 to 14. Fumagillin reduced CCI-upregulated expressions of angiogenic factors and astrocytes. Furthermore, fumagillin decreased TNF-α and IL-6 amounts and increased IL-10 levels at POD 7 and 14, but not IL-1β concentrations. Conclusions: Fumagillin significantly ameliorates CCI-induced nociceptive sensitization, spinal angiogenesis, and astrocyte activation. Our results suggest that angiogenesis inhibitor treatment suppresses peripheral neuropathy-induced central angiogenesis, neuroinflammation, astrocyte activation, and neuropathic pain.

Effect of aerobic exercise on innate immune responses and inflammatory mediators in the spinal cord of diabetic rats

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 293-301
Author(s):  
A. Kaki ◽  
M. Nikbakht ◽  
A.H. Habibi ◽  
H.F. Moghadam
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Diabetic Neuropathy ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Inflammatory Mediators ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Innate Immune Responses ◽  
Tnf Α

Neuronal inflammation is one of the pathophysiological causes of diabetes neuropathic pain. The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of aerobic exercise on innate immune responses and inflammatory mediators in the spinal dorsal horn in rats with diabetic neuropathic pain. 40 eight-week-old male Wistar rats (weight range 220±10.2 g) were randomly divided into four groups of (1) sedentary diabetic neuropathy (SDN), (2) training diabetic neuropathy (TDN), (3) training control (TC), and (4) sedentary control (SC). Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozocin (50 mg/kg). Following confirmation of behavioural tests for diabetes neuropathy, the training groups performed 6 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on the treadmill. The expression of Toll like receptor (TLR)4, TLR2, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10 genes in L4-L6 spinal cord sensory neurons was measured by Real Time PCR. Two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni’s post hoc tests were used for statistical analysis. After performing aerobic exercise protocol, the TDN compared to the SDN showed a significant decrease in the mean score of pain in the formalin test and a significant increase in the latency in Tail-Flick test was observed. The expression of TLR4, TLR2, TNF-α and IL-1β genes was significantly higher in the SDN than in the SC group (P<0.05). The expression of the above genes in the TDN was significantly lower than the SDN group (P<0.05). Also, the expression level of IL-10 gene was significantly higher in the TDN than the SDN group (P<0.05). Aerobic exercise improved sensitivity of nociceptors to pain-inducing agents in diabetic neuropathy due to inhibition of inflammatory receptors and increased levels of anti-inflammatory agents in the nervous system. Thus, aerobic exercise should be used as a non-pharmacological intervention for diabetic patients to reduce neuropathic pain.

Corydalis Saxicola Bunting Total Alkaloids Inhibits Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy By Regulating PKCε-TRPV1 and p38 MAPK-TRPV1 Signaling Pathways

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
chu xue ◽  
Si-Xue Liu ◽  
Jie Hu ◽  
Jin Huang ◽  
Hong-Min Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathy ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
P38 Mapk ◽  
Cell Model ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Drg Neurons ◽  
Total Alkaloids ◽  
Tnf Α

Abstract Background: Corydalis saxicola Bunting, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been proven to work well in anti-inflammation, blood circulation improvement, hemostasis, analgesia. This study was designed to observe the effects and potential mechanism of Corydalis saxicola Bunting total alkaloids (CSBTA) on paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN). Materials and methods: Following 4 times intraperitoneal injections of paclitaxel (2 mg/kg) and intragastrically (i.g.) administrated at 30 or 120 mg/kg CSBTA, mechanical and thermal allodynia and hyperalgesia in rats were tested. After 40 days, serum was collected for the detection of PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-1β by ELISA. The L4-L6 segment spinal cord, DRG, and plantar skin were harvested, and protein and gene expression of CGRP, SP, TRPV1, p38, and PKCε were analyzed by Western-blot or RT-qPCR. Parallelly, the PIPN cell model was also established in primary DRG neurons by paclitaxel stimulation (300 nM, 5 d). We examined PGE2, TNF-α and CGRP mRNA levels, and the protein expression on the PKCε-TRPV1 and p38 MAPK-TRPV1 pathways in PIPN cell model with or without CSBTA (25 μg/ml and 50 μg/ml). Results: The results showed that CSBTA effectively ameliorated allodynia and hyperalgesia in PIPN rats, regulated the contents of cytokines and neuropeptides in different tissues and cell models. CSBTA significantly decreased the protein expression of PKCε-TRPV1 and p38 MAPK-TRPV1 signaling pathways in the spinal cord and DRG tissues in the PIPN animal model and primary DRG neurons. Conclusion: Therefore, CSBTA has a perspective therapeutic effect on the treatment of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Abstract MP06: Kinin B1 Receptor Mediates Orexin System Hyperactivity In Salt-sensitive Hypertension

Hypertension ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rohan U Parekh ◽  
Abdel A Abdel-rahman ◽  
Srinivas Sriramula
Keyword(s):  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Salt Treatment ◽  
Neurogenic Hypertension ◽  
B1 Receptor ◽  
Kinin B1 Receptor ◽  
Salt Sensitive Hypertension ◽  
The Brain

Hyperactivity of the orexin system contributes to several animal models of hypertension and enhances arginine vasopressin (AVP) release. We previously reported higher neuronal kinin B1 receptor (B1R) expression and brain AVP levels in hypertensive mice. However, the role of B1R and its interaction with orexin system in neurogenic hypertension have not been studied. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that kinin B1R contributes to hypertension by upregulation of orexin-AVP signaling in the brain. Deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt treatment (1 mg/g body weight DOCA, 1% saline in drinking water, 3 weeks) of wild-type (WT) male mice produced a significant increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP; radio-telemetry) (138 ±3 mmHg, n=8, p<0.01) that was blunted in B1R knockout mice (121±2 mmHg, P <0.05 vs. WT+DOCA). In WT mice, DOCA-salt, compared to vehicle, increased mRNA levels of orexin receptor 1 (2.5 fold, n=9, p<0.001), orexin receptor 2 (3 fold, n=9, p<0.001) and AVP (3 fold, n=9, p<0.01) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and these DOCA-salt evoked effects were attenuated in B1RKO mice. Similarly, DOCA-salt evoked increases in protein expression of orexin receptor 1 and 2 in the hypothalamic PVN of WT mice were attenuated by 25±5% and 33±5% (p<0.05), respectively, in B1RKO vs WT+DOCA mice. Furthermore, DOCA-salt treatment increased plasma AVP levels in WT mice compared to vehicle treated mice (13.69±1.1 vs. 47.86±8.7 pg/ml, p<0.05), but not in B1RKO mice. Together, these data provide novel evidence that kinin B1R plays an important role in mediating DOCA-salt induced hypertension possibly via upregulating the orexin-AVP signaling in the brain.

Antiallodynic Effect of Intrathecal Korean Red Ginseng in Cisplatin-Induced Neuropathic Pain Rats

Pharmacology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 105 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 173-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yeo Ok Kim ◽  
Ji A Song ◽  
Woong Mo Kim ◽  
Myung Ha Yoon
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Receptor Antagonist ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Red Ginseng ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Korean Red Ginseng ◽  
Receptor Mrna ◽  
Antiallodynic Effect

Background: Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (CINP) is a serious side effect of chemotherapy. Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) is a popular herbal medicine in Asian countries. We examined the therapeutic potential of intrathecally administered KRG for CINP and clarified the mechanisms of action with regard to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)7 receptor at the spinal level. Methods: CINP was evoked by intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin in male Sprague-Dawley rats. After examining the effects of intrathecally administered KRG on CINP, 5-HT receptor antagonist (dihydroergocristine [DHE]) was pretreated to determine the involvement of 5-HT receptor. In addition, intrathecal 5-HT7 receptor antagonist (SB269970) was administered to define the role of 5-HT7 receptor on the effect of KRG. 5-HT7 receptor mRNA expression levels and 5-HT concentrations were examined in the spinal cord. Results: Intrathecally administered KRG produced a limited, but a dose-dependent, antiallodynic effect. Intrathecally administered DHE antagonized the antiallodynia caused by KRG. Furthermore, intrathecal SB269970 also reversed the effect of KRG. No changes in 5-HT7 receptor mRNA expression were seen in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord after cisplatin injection. After injecting cisplatin, 5-HT levels were decreased in the spinal cord, whereas those of 5-HT were increased by intrathecal KRG. Conclusions: Intrathecally administered KRG decreased CINP. In addition, spinal 5-HT7 receptors contributed to the antiallodynic effect of KRG.

scholarly journals Loss of SNHG4 Attenuated Spinal Nerve Ligation-Triggered Neuropathic Pain through Sponging miR-423-5p

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xia Pan ◽  
Cheng Shen ◽  
Yayi Huang ◽  
Long Wang ◽  
Zhongyuan Xia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Thermal Hyperalgesia ◽  
Spinal Nerve ◽  
Spinal Nerve Ligation ◽  
Rat Models ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Gene 4 ◽  
Nucleolar Rna

Neuropathic pain is an intractable comorbidity of spinal cord injury. Increasing noncoding RNAs have been implicated in neuropathic pain development. lncRNAs have been recognized as significant regulators of neuropathic pain. lncRNA Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 4 (SNHG4) is associated with several tumors. However, the molecular mechanisms of SNHG4 in neuropathic pain remain barely documented. Here, we evaluated the function of SNHG4 in spinal nerve ligation (SNL) rat models. We observed that SNHG4 was significantly upregulated in SNL rat. Knockdown of SNHG4 was able to attenuate neuropathic pain progression via regulating behaviors of neuropathic pain including mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Moreover, knockdown of SNHG4 could repress the neuroinflammation via inhibiting IL-6, IL-12, and TNF-α while inducing IL-10 levels. Additionally, miR-423-5p was predicted as the target of SNHG4 by employing bioinformatics analysis. miR-423-5p has been reported to exert significantly poorer in several diseases. However, the role of miR-423-5p in the development of neuropathic pain is needed to be clarified. Here, in our investigation, RIP assay confirmed the correlation between miR-423-5p and SNHG4. Meanwhile, we found that miR-423-5p was significantly decreased in SNL rat models. SNHG4 regulated miR-423-5p expression negatively. As exhibited, the loss of miR-423-5p contributed to neuropathic pain progression, which was rescued by the silence of SNHG4. Therefore, our study indicated SNHG4 as a novel therapeutic target for neuropathic pain via sponging miR-423-5p.

Comprehensive analysis of neurobehavior associated with histomorphological alterations in a chronic constrictive nerve injury model through use of the CatWalk XT system

2014 ◽  
Vol 120 (1) ◽  
pp. 250-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chien-Yi Chiang ◽  
Meei-Ling Sheu ◽  
Fu-Chou Cheng ◽  
Chun-Jung Chen ◽  
Hong-Lin Su ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Neuropathic Pain ◽  
Nerve Injury ◽  
Mechanical Allodynia ◽  
S100 Protein ◽  
Thermal Hyperalgesia ◽  
Nerve Damage ◽  
Dorsal Spinal Cord ◽  
Sensory Evoked ◽  
Dorsal Spinal

Object Neuropathic pain is debilitating, and when chronic, it significantly affects the patient physically, psychologically, and socially. The neurobehavior of animals used as a model for chronic constriction injury seems analogous to the neurobehavior of humans with neuropathic pain. However, no data depicting the severity of histomorphological alterations of the nervous system associated with graded changes in neurobehavior are available. To determine the severity of histomorphological alteration related to neurobehavior, the authors created a model of chronic constrictive injury of varying intensity in rats and used the CatWalk XT system to evaluate neurobehavior. Methods A total of 60 Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 250–300 g each, were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 groups that would receive sham surgery or 1, 2, 3, or 4 ligatures of 3-0 chromic gut loosely ligated around the left sciatic nerve. Neurobehavior was assessed by CatWalk XT, thermal hyperalgesia, and mechanic allodynia before injury and periodically after injury. The nerve tissue from skin to dorsal spinal cord was obtained for histomorphological analysis 1 week after injury, and brain evoked potentials were analyzed 4 weeks after injury. Results. Significant differences in expression of nerve growth factor existed in skin, and the differences were associated with the intensity of nerve injury. After injury, expression of cluster of differentiation 68 and tumor necrosis factor–α was increased, and expression of S100 protein in the middle of the injured nerve was decreased. Increased expression of synaptophysin in the dorsal root ganglion and dorsal spinal cord correlated with the intensity of injury. The amplitude of sensory evoked potential increased with greater severity of nerve damage. Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia did not differ significantly among treatment groups at various time points. CatWalk XT gait analysis indicated significant differences for print areas, maximum contact maximum intensity, stand phase, swing phase, single stance, and regular index, with sham and/or intragroup comparisons. Conclusions. Histomorphological and electrophysiological alterations were associated with severity of nerve damage. Subtle neurobehavioral differences were detected by the CatWalk XT system but not by mechanical allodynia or thermal hyperalgesia. Thus, the CatWalk XT system should be a useful tool for monitoring changes in neuropathic pain, especially subtle alterations.

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