Articles: neuralgia.
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Previously, we showed internal low intensity focused ultrasound (liFUS) improves nociceptive thresholds in rats with vincristine-induced neuropathy (VIN) for 48-h post-treatment. Here, we perform more rigorous behavioral testing with the internal device and introduce external liFUS treatment. Behavioral testing confirmed VIN (Von Frey fibers, VFF; hot plate, HPT; locomotion, OFT). ⋯ Hematoxylin and Eosin, and Fluorojade staining showed no histological damage to the DRG. Internal liFUS treatment produced a mean temperature rise of 3.21 ± 0.30 °C, whereas external liFUS resulted in a mean temperature rise of 1.78 °C ± 0.21 °C. We demonstrate that, in a VIN rat model, external liFUS treatment of the L5 DRG significantly reduces nociceptive sensitivity thresholds without causing tissue damage.
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Spinal cord microglia plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain. However, the mechanisms underlying spinal microglial activation during neuropathic pain remain incompletely determined. Here, we investigated the role of Pellino1 (Peli1) and its interplay with spinal microglial activation in neuropathic pain. ⋯ These results suggest that the upregulation of spinal Peli1 is essential for the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain via Peli1-dependent mobilization of spinal cord microglia, activation of MAPK/NF-κB signaling, and production of proinflammatory cytokines. Modulation of Peli1 may serve as a potential approach for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
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The development of multitarget opioid drugs has emerged as an attractive therapeutic strategy to eliminate opioid-related side effects. Our previous study developed a series of opioid and neuropeptide FF pharmacophore-containing chimeric peptides, including DN-9 (Tyr-D. Ala-Gly-NMe. ⋯ DN-9 might be a promising compound for developing multifunctional opioid analgesics with limited adverse effects. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents the potent and nontolerance forming analgesia effects of DN-9 in a series of preclinical pain models with less opioid related adverse effects at the spinal level in mice. This study also demonstrates that DN-9 has translational potential into an intrathecal analgesic.
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Ultrasound (US) imaging has become one of the most useful modalities to assess peripheral nerve disorders. Nowadays, it is as important as nerve conduction studies and electromyography for peripheral nerve entrapment. Additionally, US is also helpful in guiding a possible intervention. ⋯ Recently, US-guided hydrodissection has emerged as the mainstream for nerve entrapment. Accordingly, this review aims to summarize and update the mechanism and evidence regarding this imperative procedure for neuropathic pain management. Furthermore, the pathogenesis, anatomic features, US findings and histological correlations of nerve entrapment syndromes will also be discussed in this article.
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When evaluating sensory dysfunctions and pain mechanisms in patients with low back pain (LBP), a specific subgroup of patients with radicular symptoms is often excluded. Comparative studies that evaluate sensory sensitivity in patients with a dominant nociceptive and neuropathic pain component are rarely performed. Therefore, the goal of this study was to examine differences in electrical thresholds and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) between patients with low back-related leg pain (LBRLP) and patients with failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS). ⋯ LBP patients with a primary neuropathic pain component revealed altered detection sensitivity at the symptomatic side, without severe indications for altered nociceptive processing, compared with LBP patients without a dominant neuropathic pain component. Endogenous modulation is functioning in LBP patients, although it is possible that it might only be functioning partially in patients with a dominant neuropathic pain component.