Sciatic endometriosis induces mechanical hypersensitivity, segmental nerve damage, and robust local inflammation in rats.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Endometriosis is a common cause of pain including radicular pain. Ectopic endometrial tissue may directly affect peripheral nerves including the sciatic, which has not been modelled in animals.

Methods

We developed a rat model for sciatic endometriosis by grafting a piece of autologous uterine tissue around the sciatic nerve. Control animals underwent a similar surgery but received a graft of pelvic fat tissue.

Results

The uterine grafts survived and developed fluid-filled cysts; the adjacent nerve showed signs of swelling and damage. Mechanical and cold hypersensitivity and allodynia of the ipsilateral hindpaw developed gradually over the first 2 weeks after the surgery, peaked at 2-5 weeks, and was almost resolved by 7 weeks. Control animals showed only m

SUBMITTER: Chen S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4916042 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature