Gene transfer of GLT-1, a glial glutamate transporter, into the spinal cord by recombinant adenovirus attenuates inflammatory and neuropathic pain in rats
2008

Gene transfer of GLT-1 reduces pain in rats

Sample size: 12 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Maeda Sanae, Kawamoto Ai, Yatani Yumi, Shirakawa Hisashi, Nakagawa Takayuki, Kaneko Shuji

Primary Institution: Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University

Hypothesis

Does gene transfer of GLT-1 into the spinal cord affect inflammatory and neuropathic pain in rats?

Conclusion

The study found that increasing GLT-1 expression in the spinal cord can help reduce the onset of inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

Supporting Evidence

  • GLT-1 expression increased significantly in the spinal cord after gene transfer.
  • Gene transfer of GLT-1 reduced inflammatory hyperalgesia in response to carrageenan/kaolin.
  • Spinal GLT-1 gene transfer prevented the induction of tactile allodynia after nerve injury.

Takeaway

Scientists gave rats a special gene to help them get rid of a chemical that causes pain, and it worked to stop some types of pain from happening.

Methodology

The researchers infused recombinant adenoviruses carrying the GLT-1 gene into the spinal cord of rats and assessed pain responses using various tests.

Limitations

The study did not address the effects of GLT-1 gene transfer on established neuropathic pain.

Participant Demographics

Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 180–220 g were used.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1744-8069-4-65

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