Release of GABA and activation of GABAA in the spinal cord mediates the effects of TENS in rats

Brain Res., 2007 · DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.11.061 · Published: March 9, 2007

Neurology Pain Management Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a non-drug, non-invasive treatment for pain relief using surface electrodes. The study examines how TENS affects the release of GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces pain in the spinal cord. High frequency TENS increases GABA release in the spinal cord, while both high and low frequency TENS reduce pain by activating GABA receptors.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

69 male Sprague—Dawley rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
High frequency TENS increases extracellular GABA concentrations in the spinal cord in animals with and without joint inflammation.
2
The reduction in primary hyperalgesia by both high and low frequency TENS is prevented by spinal blockade of GABAA receptors with bicuculline.
3
Low frequency TENS had no effect on extracellular GABA concentrations in the L3/L4 dorsal horn of the spinal cord.

Research Summary

Increases in extracellular GABA in the L3/L4 spinal cord occur in response to high frequency TENS, but not low frequency TENS. Blockade of GABAA in the spinal cord reduced the antihyperalgesia produced by both low and high frequency TENS. Increased spinal release of GABA activates GABAA receptors in the spinal cord to reduce hyperalgesia.

Practical Implications

Pain Management

TENS can be used as a non-pharmacological approach to manage pain by increasing GABA release and activating GABA receptors in the spinal cord.

Frequency-Specific Effects

High and low frequency TENS operate through distinct mechanisms, with high frequency TENS directly increasing GABA release.

GABA Receptor Activation

Activating GABAA receptors in the spinal cord is crucial for the pain-reducing effects of TENS.

Study Limitations

1
The effects of low frequency TENS on GABA release may occur in other spinal segments (L5/L6) or superficial dorsal horn, which were not measured.
2
The release studies were performed while the rat was anesthetized, while behavioral studies were performed with awake animals, potentially influencing results.
3
The study only used male rats, limiting the generalizability of the results to female subjects.

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