Spinal Glutamate Transporters Are Involved in the Development of Electroacupuncture Tolerance.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Electroacupuncture (EA) tolerance is a gradual decline in EA antinociception because of its repeated or prolonged use. This study aims to explore the role of spinal glutamate transporters (GTs) in EA tolerance (EAT).

Methods

Rats were treated with EA once per day for eight consecutive days, and their L4-5 spinal cords were collected at days 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8. The levels of three spinal GTs and their mRNAs were detected with Western blot and pPCR, respectively. Then, riluzole, a positive GT regulator, was administered intrathecally in order to observe its effect on EA analgesia after repeated EA.

Results

The expression levels of the spinal GTs increased at days 2 and 4, and gradually decreased as the times of EA increased. At day 8, no difference was observed

SUBMITTER: Cui L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4813218 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature