The change in PSD95 mRNA expression in spinal cord in a rat model of neuropathic pain

Objective To determine the change in PSD95 mRNA expression in spinal dorsal horn in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Methods Twelve female SD rats weighing 150-200 g were randomized into 2 groups (n = 6 each) : control group in which left sciatic nerve and its branches were exposed but not cut; SNI group in which the branches of the left sciatic nerve-tibial and common fibular nerves were ligated and cut. Pain threshold was measured by foot-lift response to mechanical stimulation of ipsilateral hindpaw with 12 g and 2 g produced by plantar touch stimulator (Ugo Basile Co. Italy) representing hyperalgesia and allodynia respectively, 3 days before, immediately after and on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th day after operation. On the 11th day the animals were killed after measurement of pain threshold and L4-6 segment of the spinal cord was removed for determination of expression of NR2B and nNOS by immuno-histochemistry and expression of PSD95 mRNA by RT-PCR.Results Starting from the 5th day after operation all rats in SNI group developed a relative mechanical allodynia. The expression of NR2B and nNOS was mainly distributed in Ⅰ or Ⅱ laminae of dorsal horn. The expression of NR2B and nNOS was significantly higher in SNI group than in control group. The expression of PSD95 mRNA in SNI group was significantly decreased when compared to control group (P 0.05) .Conclusion The expression of NR2B and nNOS in dorsal horn of spinal cord was significantly increased in rats with neuropathic pain, but the expression of PSD95 mRNA in spinal cord was decreased thus disturbing the construction of the complex of NR2B and nNOS.