Neural Mobilization Treatment Decreases Glial Cells and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression in the Central Nervous System in Rats with Neuropathic Pain Induced by CCI in Rats

Author(s)

Giardini, Aline Carolina ; dos Santos, Fabio Martinez ; da Silva, Joyce Teixeira ; de Oliveira, Mara Evany ; Martins, Daniel Oliveira ; Chacur, Marucia

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PAIN RESEARCH & MANAGEMENT; v. 2017, p. 9-pg., 2017-01-01.

Abstract

Background. Glial cells are implicated in the development of chronic pain and brain-derived neurotropic factor ( BDNF) released from activated microglia contributes to the nociceptive transmission. Neural mobilization (NM) technique is a method clinically effective in reducing pain sensitivity. Here we examined the involvement of glial cells and BDNF expression in the thalamus and midbrain after NM treatment in rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI). CCI was induced and ratswere subsequently submitted to 10 sessions of NM, every other day, beginning 14 days after CCI. Thalamus and midbrain were analyzed for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), microglial cell OX-42, and BDNF using Immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays. Results. Thalamus and midbrain of CCI group showed increases in GFAP, OX-42, and BDNF expression compared with control group and, in contrast, showed decreases in GFAP, OX-42, and BDNF after NM when compared with CCI group. The decreased immunoreactivity for GFAP, OX-42, and BDNF in ventral posterolateral nucleus in thalamus and the periaqueductal gray in midbrain was shown by immunohistochemistry. Conclusions. These findings may improve the knowledge about the involvement of astrocytes, microglia, and BDNF in the chronic pain and show that NM treatment, which alleviates neuropathic pain, affects glial cells and BDNF expression. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/20026-6 - Use of low-level laser and mechanisms in molecular and cellular repair process in peripheral nervous system
• Grantee: Daniel de Oliveira Martins
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 14/24533-0 - Photodynamic therapy in trigeminal neuralgia
• Grantee: Marucia Chacur
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 11/22268-0 - Laser application in pain control and tissue stimulation: from basic research to clinical application
• Grantee: Marucia Chacur
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 12/05840-4 - Neural Mobilization: molecular and behavioral assessment in rats after induction of neuropathic pain
• Grantee: Fabio Martinez dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 12/24408-6 - Magnetic resonance and supraspinal neuronal activation in chronic neuropathic pain model in rats
• Grantee: Joyce Teixeira da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)