An electrophysiological method for quantifying neuropathic pain behaviors in rats: measurement of hindlimb withdrawal EMG magnitude

J Physiol Sci. 2009 Nov;59(6):473-6. doi: 10.1007/s12576-009-0051-9. Epub 2009 Jul 24.

Abstract

In behavior methods to quantify neuropathic pain, visual observations of limb-withdrawal reflexes to stimuli are not always clear-cut, so this method is partly subjective. Our current data suggest that measurement of electrophysiological EMG magnitudes enables more reliable and objective assessment for quantifying nocifensive behaviors related to neuropathic pain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal
  • Electromyography / methods*
  • Electrophysiological Phenomena
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Hindlimb / physiology
  • Lower Extremity
  • Male
  • Pain / physiopathology
  • Pain / psychology*
  • Pain Measurement
  • Physical Stimulation
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Reflex / physiology