Korean J Anesthesiol.  2006 Oct;51(4):468-475. 10.4097/kjae.2006.51.4.468.

The Expression of alpha2-Adrenergic Receptor Subtypes in the Central Nervous System of Peripheral Nerve Injured Rats

• Choi SR
• Lee HC
• Chung CJ
• Kim HK

• KMID: 2045366
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2006.51.4.468

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The change of expression of the alpha2-adrenergic receptor (alpha(2)-AR) subtypes in the thalamus and hypothalamus were investigated in a neuropathic pain rat model.
METHODS
The left sciatic nerve was clamped for creating a neuropathic pain model in five rats. A sham operation was done in three rats as control group. Behavioral tests for pain were conducted by using mechanical stimuli applied to the hind paws. After 7 days, the expression of alpha(2)-AR subtype mRNA in the rat thalamus and hypothalamus was measured using real time polymerase chain reaction.
RESULTS
Mechanical allodynia were developed on postoperative 1, 3, and 7 days in the neuropathic pain model. The expression of alpha(2A)-AR, alpha(2B)-AR, and alpha(2C)-AR was significantly higher in the thalamus and hypothalamus in the neuropathic pain model (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
These results would suggest that the subtypes of alpha(2)-AR in thalamus and hypothalamus may contribute to produce neuropathic pain.

Keyword

alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor; neuropathic pain; peripheral nerve injury; mechanical allodynia

MeSH Terms

Animals
Central Nervous System*
Hyperalgesia
Hypothalamus
Models, Animal
Neuralgia
Peripheral Nerve Injuries
Peripheral Nerves*
Rats*
Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
RNA, Messenger
Sciatic Nerve
Thalamus
RNA, Messenger