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

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.