Abstract
Dexmedetomidine(DEX) has been shown to attenuate neuropathic pain (NP), but the mechanism is unclear. Astrocytes connexin 43(Cx43) is increased in subjects with NP and plays an important role in the development and maintenance of NP (Glia. 2012;60(11):1660‐70). We thus investigated the role of astroglia Cx43 in DEX‐induced anti‐nociceptive effects in rats with NP. Peripheral NP was induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL) in SD rats. After 10 days of inducing NP, DEX was intrathecally administrated for 5 days and ipsilateral mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were examined by Von Frey Test and Hargreaves Test. Compared with control rats, PSNL induced significant ipsilateral mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia (P<0.05) that were coincident with enhanced Cx43 and increased astroglia activation in ipsilateral lumbosacral dorsal spinal cord. DEX inhibited astroglia Cx43 expression and attenuated NP (P<0.05 vs. control). Cx43 gene knock‐down did not significantly further enhance DEX mediated attenuation of NP. We concluded that astroglia Cx43 plays a critical role in DEX mediated anti‐nociceptive effects in rats with NP.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Departmental development fund Supported by Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province(2010B060900089). The authors are grateful to Pro.Huang for critical design and revise. huanghs5480@163.com
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
