Augmented pain behavioural responses to intra-articular injection of nerve growth factor in two animal models of osteoarthritis.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a promising analgesic target, particularly in osteoarthritis (OA) where existing therapies are inadequate. We hypothesised that pain responses to NGF are increased in OA joints. Here, NGF-evoked pain behaviour was compared in two rodent models of OA, and possible mechanisms underlying altered pain responses were examined.

Methods

OA was induced in rat knees by meniscal transection (MNX) or intra-articular monosodium iodoacetate injection (MIA). Once OA pathology was fully established (day 20), we assessed pain behaviour (hindlimb weight-bearing asymmetry and hindpaw mechanical withdrawal thresholds) evoked by intra-articular injection of NGF (10 µg). Possible mechanisms underlying alterations in NGF-induced pain behaviour were explored

SUBMITTER: Ashraf S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4145450 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature