European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Clinically, neuropathic pain is frequent and intense following brachial plexus injury. It is thought that brachial plexus pain is not generated by avulsed roots, but rather by non-avulsed roots, since the avulsed root could not possibly transmit action potentials to central nerves. The aim of this study was to evaluate pain behavior and activation of sensory neurons in a brachial plexus avulsion (BPA) model in rats. ⋯ Expression of ATF3 in uninjured DRG neurons may contribute to pain following brachial plexus avulsion injury. Consequently, spared spinal sensory nerves may represent therapeutic targets for treatment of this pain.
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Editorial Comment
Antibiotics a cure for back pain, a false dawn or a new era?