Abstract
This study investigated whether and how electroacupuncture (EA) attenuates cold hypersensitivity (allodynia) in a rat model of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain. Cold allodynia [evaluated by immersing the tail into cold water (4°C) and measuring the withdrawal latency] was induced 3days after an oxaliplatin administration (6mg/kg, i.p.). EA stimulation (2/100Hz, 0.3-ms pulse duration, 0.2-0.3mA) was delivered to ST36 acupoint or non-acupoint for 20min. Low-frequency (2Hz) EA at ST36 relieved cold allodynia more effectively than high-frequency EA at ST36 or low-frequency EA at non-acupoint. Naloxone (opioid antagonist, 2mg/kg, i.p.) completely blocked such EA-induced anti-allodynia, whereas phentolamine (α-adrenergic antagonist, 2mg/kg, i.p.) did not. Moreover, plasma β-endorphin levels significantly increased right after the end of EA and subsequently decreased. These results indicate that low-frequency EA at ST36 in rats has a marked relieving effect on oxaliplatin-induced cold allodynia that is mediated by the endogenous opioid, but not noradrenergic, system.
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