ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the role of astrocytes activation in post herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Methods The kunming mice (20-25 g) were used in this study. Resiniferatoxin was injected into the peritoneal cavity.Immunofuorescence was used to detect the activation of astrocytes , mechanical paw withdrawal threshold (MWT)and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were used to assay the mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, respectively. Fluorocitrate, an inhibitor of astrocytes was intrathecally (i.t.) or intraperitonealy (i. p.) injected into the mice. Results Compared with the vehicle group, MWT was decreased, and TWL was increased significantly in the RTX group. Pre-treatments of fluorocitrate (Fc, i.t.,or i.p.) inhibited the decrease of MWT. Conclusion The activation of astrocytes mediates the post herpetic neuralgia.