Long-lasting effect of transcranial direct current stimulation in the reversal of hyperalgesia and cytokine alterations induced by the neuropathic pain model

Model System:

Reference Type:

Accession No.:

Journal:

Year, Volume, Issue, Page(s):

Publication Website:

Abstract:

Study investigated the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the nociceptive response and on interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels in central nervous system (CNS) structures of rats with neuropathic pain (NP). tDCS is a non-invasive method of cerebral stimulation and represents a promising resource for pain management. After induction of NP by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, the rats received 20 minutes of bicephalic tDCS for 8 days. Hyperalgesia was assessed by the hot plate and von Frey tests and evaluated at baseline, 7 days, and 14 days after CCI surgery, and also immediately, 24 hours, and 7 days following tDCS treatment. The levels of IL-1β, IL-10 and TNF-α in the cortex, spinal cord, and brainstem were determined at 48 hours and 7 days post-tDCS. The CCI model provoked thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia until at least 30 days post-CCI; however, bicephalic tDCS relieved the nociceptive behavior for up to 7 days after treatment completion. The findings suggest that bicephalic tDCS is effective to promote antinociceptive behavior in neuropathic pain, which can be reflected by a spinal neuroimmunomodulation linked to pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels observed in the long-term.

Author(s):

Participating Centers: