Long-term Effect of Pulsed Radiofrequency on Expression of Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide in Chronic Constriction Injured Rats / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

@#Objective To investigate the long-term effect of pulsed radiofrequency on the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in dorsal root ganglion of rats with chronic constriction injury. Methods A total of 36 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham group (n=12), model group (n=12) and treatment group (n=12). The sciatic nerve was ligated in the model group and the treatment group, and the treatment group was treated with pulsed radiofrequency on the injured nerve for 120 seconds. Hindpaw withdrawl threshold (HWT) was measured before treatment, and seven days, 14 days, 21 days and 28 days after treatment. After HWT, the right L4-6 dorsal root ganglions were tested the CGRP expression using RT-qPCR and ELISA. Results HWT gradually increased in the treatment group after treatment, and was higher than that in the model group since seven days after treatment (P<0.05), similar to that of the sham group 21 days and 28 days after treatment (P>0.05). The transcription and translation levels of CGRP were both significantly lower in the treatment group than in the model group (P<0.01).Conclusion Pulsed radiofrequency might relieve the neuropathic pain through reducing CGRP expression in dorsal root ganglion in a long term.