Category
Applied
Description
Neuropathic pain is a symptom of diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and HIV/AIDS that is difficult to treat since the pain originates in the central nervous system. Current models of neuropathic pain involve mice and are difficult to use, since the methods are invasive and require extensive training; ligation of the sciatic nerve or the T4 and T5 spinal nerves are the most common procedures today. However, it has recently been suggested that formalin can potentially induce chronic pain in mice, as it has been successfully induced in rats. Therefore, our experimental goal was to establish a formalin-induced model of neuropathic pain in mice for an easier and quicker alternative to standard surgical methods. To do this, mice were injected with 5% formalin subcutaneously in the dorsal side of the paw and observed for two weeks with mechanical and thermal tests. After 14 days, the mice were euthanized. Brains and lumbar spinal cords were collected, and tissue was prepared for processing. Slides were stained with H&E and any visible changes in the tissue between control mice and injected mice were recorded. Gliosis and demyelination were observed in only experimental mice, indicating that neuropathic pain was present due to the formalin injection. The results of this study open new means to research neuropathic pain to more easily aid patients who have little to no treatment available. With this research, it is possible to get closer to a cure for chronic pain.
Histological Assessment of Neuropathic Pain in Murine Nervous Tissue
Applied
Neuropathic pain is a symptom of diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and HIV/AIDS that is difficult to treat since the pain originates in the central nervous system. Current models of neuropathic pain involve mice and are difficult to use, since the methods are invasive and require extensive training; ligation of the sciatic nerve or the T4 and T5 spinal nerves are the most common procedures today. However, it has recently been suggested that formalin can potentially induce chronic pain in mice, as it has been successfully induced in rats. Therefore, our experimental goal was to establish a formalin-induced model of neuropathic pain in mice for an easier and quicker alternative to standard surgical methods. To do this, mice were injected with 5% formalin subcutaneously in the dorsal side of the paw and observed for two weeks with mechanical and thermal tests. After 14 days, the mice were euthanized. Brains and lumbar spinal cords were collected, and tissue was prepared for processing. Slides were stained with H&E and any visible changes in the tissue between control mice and injected mice were recorded. Gliosis and demyelination were observed in only experimental mice, indicating that neuropathic pain was present due to the formalin injection. The results of this study open new means to research neuropathic pain to more easily aid patients who have little to no treatment available. With this research, it is possible to get closer to a cure for chronic pain.
