The change of HCN1/HCN2 mRNA expression in peripheral nerve after chronic constriction injury induced neuropathy followed by pulsed electromagnetic field therapy

Oncotarget, 2017 · DOI: · Published: November 25, 2016

Neurology Pain Management Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition resulting from nerve damage, often resistant to conventional treatments. This study explores the potential of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to alleviate neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) in rats. The researchers investigated the expression of HCN1 and HCN2 mRNA, which are related to nerve function, in rats with CCI-induced neuropathy. They also examined whether PEMF therapy could affect the expression of these mRNA. The study found that CCI led to nerve cell degeneration and reduced expression of HCN1/HCN2 mRNA. While PEMF therapy promoted nerve regeneration and improved pain-related behaviors, it did not restore the expression of HCN1/HCN2 mRNA.

Study Duration

14 days

Participants

Male Sprague-Dawley rats, 300-350g

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
CCI induced neural cell degeneration, while PEMF promoted nerve regeneration as documented by Nissl staining.
2
CCI shortened the hind paw withdrawal latency (PWL) and hind paw withdrawal threshold (PWT), and PEMF prolonged the PWL and PWT.
3
CCI lowers the expression of HCN1 and HCN2 mRNA, and PEMF cannot restore the expression of HCN1 and HCN2 mRNA.

Research Summary

This study investigated the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy on neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) in rats, focusing on the expression of HCN1/HCN2 mRNA in peripheral nerves and the spinal cord. The results showed that CCI led to nerve degeneration and decreased HCN1/HCN2 mRNA expression, while PEMF promoted nerve regeneration and improved pain-related behaviors (PWL and PWT). However, PEMF therapy did not restore the expression of HCN1/HCN2 mRNA, suggesting that the pain-relieving effects of PEMF might involve other mechanisms.

Practical Implications

PEMF as a Potential Therapy

PEMF therapy can promote nerve regeneration and relieve neuropathic pain.

Further Research Needed

Further investigation is needed to understand the exact mechanisms by which PEMF alleviates neuropathic pain, especially regarding HCN1/2 protein expression.

Clinical Application

PEMF could be a valuable treatment option for neuropathic pain, particularly when conventional analgesics are ineffective.

Study Limitations

1
The study focused on mRNA expression and did not examine protein expression.
2
The study duration might have been insufficient to observe the restoration of HCN1/HCN2 mRNA expression by PEMF.
3
The exact mechanisms by which PEMF alleviates neuropathic pain remain unclear.

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