Abstract
Using the rat model that we have developed, a potential underlying mechanism for sympathetically maintained neuropathic pain (SMP) was explored. In rats showing neuropathic pain behaviors after a tight ligation of the L5 spinal nerve, putative sympathetic postganglionic fibers were examined in the injured spinal nerve and the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), using immunohistochemical staining with antibody against tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). In the neuropathic rats, there was an increase in the number of TH-immunolabeled fibers in the spinal nerve, and some DRG cells were surrounded by the labeled fibers. These abnormalities of sympathetic postganglionic innervation of the injured spinal nerve or the DRG may be a part of the mechanisms underlying the development of SMP.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 85-88 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Neuroscience Letters |
Volume | 162 |
Issue number | 1-2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 12 1993 |
Keywords
- Causalgia
- Dorsal root ganglion
- Hyperalgesia
- Mechanical allodynia
- Peripheral nerve injury
- Sympathetically maintained pain
- Tyrosine hydroxylase
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Neuroscience