| The Expression of alpha2-Adrenergic Receptor Subtypes in the Central Nervous System of Peripheral Nerve Injured Rats. |
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So Ron Choi, Hyung Chang Lee, Chan Jong Chung, Hae Kyu Kim |
1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine, Dong-A University, Korea. cjchung@dau.ac.kr
2Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea. |
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| Abstract |
BACKGROUND
The change of expression of the alpha2-adrenergic receptor (alpha(2)-AR) subtypes in the thalamus and hypothalamus were investigated in a neuropathic pain rat model.
METHODS
The left sciatic nerve was clamped for creating a neuropathic pain model in five rats. A sham operation was done in three rats as control group. Behavioral tests for pain were conducted by using mechanical stimuli applied to the hind paws. After 7 days, the expression of alpha(2)-AR subtype mRNA in the rat thalamus and hypothalamus was measured using real time polymerase chain reaction.
RESULTS
Mechanical allodynia were developed on postoperative 1, 3, and 7 days in the neuropathic pain model. The expression of alpha(2A)-AR, alpha(2B)-AR, and alpha(2C)-AR was significantly higher in the thalamus and hypothalamus in the neuropathic pain model (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
These results would suggest that the subtypes of alpha(2)-AR in thalamus and hypothalamus may contribute to produce neuropathic pain. |
| Key Words:
alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor; neuropathic pain; peripheral nerve injury; mechanical allodynia |
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