ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the changes in the expression of Nogo-A protein in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal dorsal horn in a rat model of neuropathic pain (NP) .Methods Seventy-two male SD rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into 3 groups ( n = 24 each) : control group (group C) , sham operation group (group S) and NP group. NP was induced by ligation and severance of tibial and common fibular nerves according to the technique described by Isabelle et al. The mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) to von Frey filament stimulation was measured at 1, 7, 14 and 21 days after ligation. Six rats in each group were randomly selected at each time point and sacrificed (3 for determination of Nogo-A protein expression by immunofluorescence, 3 for determination of Nogo-A protein expression by Western blot) . The L5 DRG and L4,5 segment of spinal cord on the injured side were removed for determination of Nogo-A protein expression by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Results Compared with the groups C and S, MWT was significantly decreased at 7, 14 and 21 days after ligation, the expression of Nogo-A protein in the DRG was down-regulated at 7 and 14 days after ligation and the expression of Nogo-A protein in the spinal dorsal horn was up-regulated at 14 and 21 days after ligation ( P ＜0.05) .Conclusion The Nogo-A protein in the DRG and spinal dorsal horn may play an important role in peripheral nerve injury-induced NP in rats.