Differential effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor on high-threshold mechanosensitivity in a rat neuropathic pain model

Neurosci Lett. 2000 Jan 7;278(1-2):85-8. doi: 10.1016/s0304-3940(99)00908-8.

Abstract

We investigated the effect of the systemic infusion of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on the behavioral response in a rat neuropathic pain model. One microgram per hour infusion of BDNF significantly attenuated mechanical hyperalgesia tested by the pin-prick test, however, 20 microg/h-BDNF infusion, on the contrary, enhanced the response. Neither 0.5 nor 10 microg/h-BDNF infusion influenced the mechanical hyperalgesia. Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, tested using a von Frey filament (23.0 mN) and the plantar test, were not influenced by BDNF treatment. These data suggest that systemic BDNF treatment can specifically alter high-threshold mechanosensitivity.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / administration & dosage
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / pharmacology*
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / therapeutic use
  • Denervation
  • Hot Temperature
  • Hyperalgesia / drug therapy
  • Hyperalgesia / etiology
  • Hyperalgesia / physiopathology*
  • Infusions, Parenteral
  • Male
  • Mechanoreceptors / drug effects*
  • Neuralgia / drug therapy
  • Neuralgia / etiology
  • Neuralgia / physiopathology*
  • Pain
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Recombinant Proteins / pharmacology
  • Recombinant Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Sensory Thresholds / drug effects*
  • Spinal Nerves / injuries
  • Stress, Mechanical*

Substances

  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
  • Recombinant Proteins