How Protein Kinase C Affects Pain in the Spinal Cord
Author Information
Author(s): Sluka KA, Audette KM
Primary Institution: University of Iowa
Hypothesis
Spinal activation of PKC mediates the late phase of hyperalgesia 1 week after muscle insult and produces mechanical hyperalgesia through activation of NMDA and non-NMDA glutamate receptors.
Conclusion
Spinal activation of PKC produces mechanical hyperalgesia of the paw that depends on activation of NMDA and non-NMDA receptors, but does not mediate chronic muscle-induced hyperalgesia.
Supporting Evidence
- Intrathecal injection of PDBu decreased the mechanical withdrawal threshold bilaterally in a dose-dependent manner.
- Blockade of NMDA and non-NMDA receptors prevented the decrease in mechanical withdrawal threshold produced by PDBu.
- Spinal blockade of PKC had no effect on the decreased mechanical withdrawal threshold after muscle insult.
Takeaway
When a certain protein in the spinal cord is activated, it makes the body more sensitive to pain, but it doesn't help with long-lasting pain from muscle injuries.
Methodology
Rats were implanted with intrathecal catheters for drug delivery, and mechanical withdrawal thresholds were measured using von Frey filaments.
Limitations
The study did not determine the role of PKC activation in the development of hyperalgesia.
Participant Demographics
123 male Sprague-Dawley rats (250–450 g)
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website