Blocking the mineralocorticoid receptor improves effectiveness of steroid treatment for low back pain in rats.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Localized inflammation of lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRG) may contribute to low back pain. Local injections of corticosteroids used for low back pain are sometimes ineffective. Many corticosteroids activate not only the target glucocorticoid receptor (GR) but also the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), which may have proinflammatory effects countering the effects of GR activation.

Methods

A low back pain model was implemented in rats (n = 6 to 10 per group) by locally inflaming the L5 DRG. Sensory neuron excitability and mechanical hypersensitivity of the hind paws were measured. Tested steroids were applied locally to the inflamed DRG or orally.

Results

The selective MR blocker eplerenone reduced pain behaviors when given orally starting at the time of surg

SUBMITTER: Ye L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4165848 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature