Spinal cord stimulation reduces hypersensitivity through activation of opioid receptors in a frequency-dependent manner

K L Sato; E W King; L M Johanek; K A Sluka

doi:10.1002/j.1532-2149.2012.00220.x

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Journal article

Spinal cord stimulation reduces hypersensitivity through activation of opioid receptors in a frequency-dependent manner

K L Sato, E W King, L M Johanek and K A Sluka

European journal of pain, Vol.17(4), pp.551-561

04/2013

DOI: 10.1002/j.1532-2149.2012.00220.x

PMID: 23065849

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Abstract

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is used for the management of chronic intractable neuropathic pain. While used clinically, it is unclear if SCS produces its effects by activation of opioid receptors. The current study aimed to determine if endogenous opioids mediate the analgesia produced by SCS at different frequencies of stimulation in rats with neuropathic pain [spared nerve injury (SNI) model]. Mechanical withdrawal thresholds of the paw were tested before and after 6 h of SCS at different frequencies (4 Hz, 60 Hz and sham) given daily for 4 days at 90% motor threshold 2 weeks after SNI. Rats were given naloxone (3-10 mg/kg/h), naltrindole (1 mg/kg/h) or were made tolerant to morphine (375 g pellets daily), and effects of SCS were tested. A dose of 3 mg/kg/h naloxone prevented the analgesia produced by 4-Hz, but not 60-Hz, SCS; 10 mg/kg/h prevented the analgesia produced by 60-Hz SCS. Naltrindole prevented the analgesia produced by 60-Hz, but not 4-Hz, SCS. In morphine-tolerant rats, 4-Hz SCS had no effect on withdrawal thresholds, but 60-Hz SCS remained effective as seen by increased withdrawal thresholds. These results suggest that both 4- and 60-Hz SCS, in part, work through opioid receptor mechanisms, with 4-Hz SCS activating μ-opioid receptors while 60-Hz SCS activated δ-opioid receptors.

Naltrexone - analogs & derivatives

Physical Stimulation

Spinal Cord - drug effects

Spinal Cord - metabolism

Hyperalgesia - metabolism

Morphine - pharmacology

Neuralgia - metabolism

Analgesics, Opioid - pharmacology

Rats

Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Spinal Cord Stimulation

Naltrexone - pharmacology

Animals

Hyperalgesia - therapy

Naloxone - pharmacology

Narcotic Antagonists - pharmacology

Neuralgia - therapy

Pain Measurement

Receptors, Opioid - metabolism

Details

Title: Subtitle: Spinal cord stimulation reduces hypersensitivity through activation of opioid receptors in a frequency-dependent manner
Creators: K L Sato - Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, USA
E W King
L M Johanek
K A Sluka
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: European journal of pain, Vol.17(4), pp.551-561
Publisher: England
DOI: 10.1002/j.1532-2149.2012.00220.x
PMID: 23065849
ISSN: 1090-3801
eISSN: 1532-2149
Language: English
Date published: 04/2013
Academic Unit: Iowa Neuroscience Institute; Nursing; Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science; Neuroscience and Pharmacology
Record Identifier: 9984040005302771

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