ABSTRACT
[ ABSTRACT] AIM: To investigate the role of TNF-αand NF-κB in the mechanism of neuropathic pain due to chronically compressed dorsal root ganglion ( CCD) .METHODS:Based on the CCD model, von Frey filaments were used to quantify behavior test.The expression changes of TNF-αand NF-κB were determined by Western blotting, and the cor-relation between the expression of TNF-αand the 50%paw withdrawal threshold was also analyzed.Moreover, the location of TNF-αin dorsal root ganglion ( DRG) was observed with immunofluorescence double staining.RESULTS: We found 50%paw withdrawal threshold of CCD decreased at the first day after operation.The mechanical allodynia was the most ob-vious at postoperative 7~14 d and lasted longer than 35 d.The expression of TNF-αand NF-κB increased significantly in DRG after operation (P<0.01), especially at 7~14 d, and then restored gradually.Moreover, there was a correlation between the protein expression of TNF-αand the changes of neuropathic behavior ( P<0.05 ) .CONCLUSION: TNF-αand NF-κB are involved in the mechanism of mechanical allodynia after chronically compressed DRG.