Isoflurane and the analgesic effect of acupuncture and electroacupuncture in an animal model of neuropathic pain

Publication date: Available online 6 February 2018 Source:Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies Author(s): Lauren Naomi Spezia Adachi, Rafael Vercelino, Carla de Oliveira, Vanessa Leal Scarabelot, Andressa de Souza, Liciane Fernandes Medeiros, Stefania Giotti Cioato, Wolnei Caumo, Iraci L.S. Torres The present study aimed to determine whether isoflurane interferes with the analgesic effects of acupuncture (Ac) and electroacupuncture (EA), using a neuropathic pain (NP) rat model. In total, 140 male Wistar rats were used; isoflurane-induced nociceptive response was evaluated using the von Frey test, serum calcium-binding protein β (S100β) levels, and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in the left sciatic nerve. The NP model was induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve at 14 days after surgery. Treatment was initiated after NP induction with or without isoflurane anesthesia (20 min/day/8 days). Von Frey test was performed at baseline, 14 days postoperatively, and immediately, 24 h, and 48 h after the last treatment. Results of the nociceptive test and three-way analysis of variance were analyzed by generalized estimating equations, the Bonferroni test, followed by Student-Newman-Keuls or Fisher’s least significant difference tests for comparing biochemical parameters (significance defined as P≤0.05). At baseline, no difference was noted in the nociceptive response threshold among all groups. Fourteen days post-surgery, compared to ot...
Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies - Category: Complementary Medicine Source Type: research