Chemogenetic inhibition of trigeminal ganglion neurons attenuates behavioural and neural pain responses in a model of trigeminal neuropathic pain

ConclusionOur results indicate that DREADDs may offer an effective therapeutic approach for treatment of trigeminal neuropathic pain.SignificanceTrigeminal neuropathic pain is highly resistant to therapy and we are in dire need of novel approaches. This study provides further evidence for the successful application of DREADDs as an effective tool for modulating central nervous system function. CNO mediated activation of hM4Di-DREADDs in the trigeminal ganglion (TG) attenuates nerve injury induced neuropathic pain by acting on hyperactive TG cells. It also establishes the TG as an effective target to manage pain in the face and head. Accessing the TG in clinical populations is a relatively simple and safe procedure, making this approach highly significant. Moreover, the methodology described here has applications in trigeminal neuropathic pain from traumatic other etiologies and in spinal neuropathic pain. Chronic pain syndromes are characterized by a progressive failure of brain centers to adequately inhibit pain and as these are identified, we may be able to target them for therapy. Therefore, our findings might have wide application in chronic pain syndromes.
Source: European Journal of Pain - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research