Effects of Akt1 gene knockout on pain behaviour induced by chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve in mice

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of Akt3 gene knockout on neuropathic pain behaviors induced by chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve (CCI). Methods Experiment was divided into two groups: Akt3 knockout group(Akt3-/-, n=12), wild type group(WT, n=12). Randomly numbered, the right sciatic nerve of mice were received the operation of chronic constriction injury. Paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL) were tested on day 1 before operation and day 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21 after CCI. Results The basic values of PWMT(right: (1.09±0.20)g, (1.17±0.22)g; left: (1.17±0.15)g, (1.22±0.23)g, P>0.05) and PWTL(right: (6.18±1.11)s, (6.20±1.25)s; left: (5.82±0.91)s, (5.92±1.71)s, P>0.05) had no statistically significant differences between two groups.On day 1 after operation, compared with basic values, the PWMT and PWTL of the right paw in both Akt3-/- group and WT group decreased significantly (P 0.05). However, compared to left paw, the PWMT and PWTL of the right paw of the two groups were obviously lower(P<0.05). Conclusion The neuropathic pain induced by CCI increased in Akt3 gene knockout mice. Key words: Akt3; Gene knock out; Neuropathic pain