Brain research
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Previous studies have shown that intraspinal injection of quisqualic acid (QUIS) produces excitotoxic injury with pathological characteristics similar to those associated with ischemic and traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Significant changes in the functional properties of sensory neurons adjacent to the site of injury have also been observed in this model. Additionally, following QUIS injections, mechanical and cold allodynia, combined with excessive grooming behavior have been shown to be the behavioral correlates of these pathological and physiological changes. ⋯ These behaviors were not affected in 11 animals receiving transplants of skeletal muscle. The effects of adrenal transplants on cold allodynia consisted of a stabilization of response latencies in contrast to the continued decrease in latencies, i.e., increased sensitivity, following transplants of skeletal muscle. The results are consistent with previous studies showing the therapeutic efficacy of adrenal chromaffin cell transplants in neuropathic pain, and support the use of this treatment strategy for the alleviation of chronic pain following spinal cord injury.