Abstract:

Objective  This research aims to study the changes in pain threshold and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in a Sprague Dawley (SD) rat model of trigeminal neuralgia. Methods  A total of 36 male SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: operative, sham-operative, and control. In the operative group, a chronic constriction injury (CCI) was caused by placing loose chromic gut ligatures around the right infraorbital nerve (ION). In the sham-operative group, the right ION was subjected to the same procedure, but without ligation. In the control group, the right ION was not subjected to any treatment. The pain thresholds of the three groups were recorded at different times after the operation. The GDNF expression in each group was analyzed via immunohistochemical staining. Results  An allodynia to mechanical stimulation in the region of the ligated ION was observed starting on the 2nd week after operation. Pain thresholds started to increase gradually from the 6th week and returned to the original level at the 10th to 12th week after operation. Cells that expressed the GDNF markedly increased in number in the operative group with changes observed at different times. Conclusion  We use chronic constriction injury to the infraorbital nerve (CCI–ION) to establish a trigeminal neuralgia-like animal model in SD rats. GDNF may play a role in regulating pain by promoting the restoration and regeneration of nerve fibers.

Key words: glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, trigeminal neuralgia, animal model