Role of histone deacetylase in spinal cord in maintenance of neuropathic pain in rats

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the role of histone deacetylase in the spinal cord in the maintenance of neuropathic pain (NP) in rats.Methods Twenty-seven male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 230-270 g,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =9 each) using a random number table:sham operation group (group S),group NP,and NP + intrathecal Trichostatin A (TSA) group (group T).NP was induced by chronic constrictive injury.At 7 days after operation,5％ DMSO,5％DMSO and TSA 10 μg (10 μl) were injected intrathecally once a day for 3 consecutive days in S,NP and T groups,respectively.Mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal paw withdrawal latency (TWL) were measured at 1 day before operation and 3,7,10,14 and 21 days after operation (T0-5).Results Compared with group S,MWT was significantly decreased and TWL was shortened at T2-5 in NP and T groups.Compared with group NP,MWT was significantly increased and TWL was prolonged at T3,4 in group T.Conclusion Histone deacetylase in the spinal cord is involved in the maintenance of neuropathic pain in rats. Key words: Histone deacetylases;  Neuralgia