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Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®

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01-09-2011 | Basic Research

Does Norepinephrine Influence Pain Behavior Mediated by Dorsal Root Ganglia?: A Pilot Study

Authors: Katsumasa Tanimoto, MD, PhD, Tsuneo Takebayashi, MD, PhD, Takeshi Kobayashi, MD, PhD, Noritsugu Tohse, MD, PhD, Toshihiko Yamashita, MD, PhD

Published in: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® | Issue 9/2011

Abstract

Background

Postganglionic neurons in the sympathetic nervous system reportedly are involved in lumbar radicular pain and release norepinephrine (NE), a neurotransmitter. Increased numbers of sympathetic nerve fibers have been found in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in a root constriction model. Whether this is a reasonable model for pain, however, is unclear

Questions/purposes

We asked whether: (1) painful behaviors occurred in the root constriction model; (2) NE enhanced the excitability of DRG neurons in the root constriction model; and (3) which adrenoceptors were related to the mediation of the NE effects.

Methods

The L5 root was sutured proximal to the DRG as the root constriction model. Behavioral tests were performed until 28 days after surgery. At 10 to 14 days after the root constriction, DRG neurons were quickly excised and digested with collagenase for electrophysiologic studies. Action potentials were recorded from single DRG neurons using a whole-cell patch clamp technique. NE (10 μmol/L) was directly applied to the DRG neurons. The adrenergic sensitivity was examined in combination with antagonists.

Results

The rats with root constriction exhibited painful behavior. NE increased the excitability of DRG neurons in the root constriction model. The effects of NE were inhibited by pretreatment with an α-antagonist and α₂-antagonist but not an α₁-antagonist.

Conclusions

Our observations suggest NE plays an important role in generating lumbar radicular pain mainly via α₂-adrenoceptors.

Clinical Relevance

An α₂-antagonist may be an appropriate agent for trials to treat lumbar radicular pain.

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Title: Does Norepinephrine Influence Pain Behavior Mediated by Dorsal Root Ganglia?: A Pilot Study
Authors: Katsumasa Tanimoto, MD, PhD
Tsuneo Takebayashi, MD, PhD
Takeshi Kobayashi, MD, PhD
Noritsugu Tohse, MD, PhD
Toshihiko Yamashita, MD, PhD
Publication date: 01-09-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® / Issue 9/2011
Print ISSN: 0009-921X
Electronic ISSN: 1528-1132
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-011-1798-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Does Norepinephrine Influence Pain Behavior Mediated by Dorsal Root Ganglia?: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background

Questions/purposes

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Clinical Relevance

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Questions/purposes

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Clinical Relevance

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