In:
Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group (JNSPG), Vol. 19, No. 2 ( 2013-08), p. 256-263
Abstract:
Herniated discs can induce sciatica by mechanical compression and/or chemical irritation caused by proinflammatory cytokines. Using immunohistochemistry methods in the dorsal horn of a rat model of lumbar disc herniation, the authors investigated the effects of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) current administration to the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) on pain-related behavior and activation of microglia, astrocytes, and mitogen-activated protein kinase. Methods A total of 33 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to either a sham-operated group (n = 10) or a nucleus pulposus (NP)–exposed group (n = 23). Rats in the NP-exposed group were further subdivided into NP exposed with sham stimulation (NP+sham stimulation, n = 10), NP exposed with PRF (NP+PRF, n = 10), or euthanasia 10 days after NP exposure (n = 3). The DRGs in the NP+PRF rats were exposed to PRF waves (2 Hz) for 120 seconds at 45 V on postoperative Day 10. Rats were tested for mechanical allodynia 10 days after surgery and at 8 hours, 1 day, 3 days, 10 days, 20 days, and 40 days after PRF administration. Immunohistochemical staining of astrocytes (glial fibrillary acidic protein), microglia (OX-42), and phosphorylated extracellular signal–regulated kinases (pERKs) in the spinal dorsal horn was performed at 41 days after PRF administration. Results Starting at 8 hours after PRF administration, mechanical withdrawal thresholds dramatically increased; this response persisted for 40 days (p 〈 0.05). After PRF administration, immunohistochemical expressions of OX-42 and pERK in the spinal dorsal horn were quantitatively reduced (p 〈 0.05). Conclusions Pulsed radiofrequency administration to the DRG reduced mechanical allodynia and downregulated microglia activity and pERK expression in the spinal dorsal horn of a rat model of lumbar disc herniation.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1547-5654
DOI:
10.3171/2013.5.SPINE12731
Language:
Unknown
Publisher:
Journal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group (JNSPG)
Publication Date:
2013
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