Decreased Activity in Neuropathic Pain Form and Gene Expression of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase5 and Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Beta in Soleus Muscle of Wistar Male Rats.

Abstract

Background:The relationship between decreased activity/neuropathic pain and gene expression alterations in soleus muscle has remained elusive.Objectives:In this experimental study, we investigated the effects of decreased activity in neuropathic pain form on Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5 (CDK5) and Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 β (GSK-3β) gene expression in soleus muscle of rats.Materials and Methods:Twelve male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: (1) tight ligation of the L5 spinal nerve (SNL: n = 4); (2) sham surgery (Sham: n = 4), and (3) control (C: n = 4). The threshold to produce a withdrawal response to a mechanical and thermal stimulus was measured using von Frey filaments and radiation heat apparatus, respectively. Following 4 weeks after surgery, the left soleus muscle was removed and mRNA levels were determined by real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).Results:Compared to control animals, L5 ligated animals developed mechanical and heat hypersensitivity during total period of study. Soleus muscle weight as well as CDK5 mRNA levels (less than ~ 0.4 fold) was decreased and GSK-3β mRNA levels (up to ~ 7 folds) increased in L5 ligated animals.Conclusions:These results showed enhanced muscle atrophy processes following peripheral nerve damage and might provide a useful approach to study underlying muscle mechanisms associated with clinical neuropathic pain syndromes.