Effect of gbpapentin on the expression of Nrf2 in dorsal root ganglion neurons of diabetic neuropathic pain rats

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of systemic administration of gabapentin on the expression of Nrf2 in dorsal root ganglion neurons in a rat model of diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP). Methods 60 male SD rats weighing 200-220 g were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=15 each): control group (group C), DNP group, saline group (SC+ DNP group) and gabapentin group (GBP+ DNP group). Diabetes was induced with streptozocin (70 mg/kg) subcutaneously. Paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL) were measured at 1d before and 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 d after streptozocin injection, and 21 and 28 d after administration of gabapentin (50 mg·kg-1·d-1, once) intraperitoneally. Saline and gabapentin (50 mg·kg-1·d-1) were given intraperitoneally once a day for 7 d starting from 15 d after streptozocin injection in saline and gabapentin groups respectively. The expression of Nrf2 was determined at 21 d after streptozocin injection by immune-histochemistry and Western blot. Results Compared with group C, PWMT(3.95±0.57) was significantly decreased, PWTL(6.3±0.81) was significantly shorten, Nrf2 in expression was significantly decreased in DNP, SC+ DNP and group (P 0.05). Conclusion Systemic administration of gabapentin attenuates diabetic neuropathic pain by enhancing the expression of Nrf2 in DRG neurons. (Chin J Endocrinol Metab, 2018, 34: 951-954) Key words: Gabapentin; Diabetic neuropathic pain; Dorsal root ganglion; Nrf2