Sigal Meilin
MD Biosciences, Israel
Title: Peripheral nerve trauma in the pig, a model for neuropathic pain: Evaluation of the evoked and spontaneous pain
Biography
Biography: Sigal Meilin
Abstract
Rodent models are frequently used in the research of pain and continue to provide valuable data on the mechanisms driving pain although criticized due to limited translation ability to human conditions. Previously we have suggested expressed mechanical and tactile allodynia, indicative of painful neuropathy 28 post-surgery peripheral nerve traumas (PNT). In this study we investigate the spontaneous behavior of the pigs following PNT induced neuropathic pain. Computerized monitoring system was used to evaluate the changes in the open field test in addition to a applying a composite behavior scoring system. The data suggest the PNT operation did not affect the animal’s ability to walk as the total distance walked by PNT animals was not different than the total distance walked by Sham operated animal. However, PNT animals expressed a significant change in pattern alteration. This effect was unrelated to the time that the animals spent in the open field. Following treatment with different drugs (Morphine, Buprenorphine or Gabapentin) the walking pattern of the animals in the open field changed in a drug specific manner. Also, the detailed behavior score revealed drug specific changes following treatment. Pharmacokinetic analysis of the 3 tested drugs blood and CSF concentration was correlated with the behavior analysis. Over all the data of this study suggest that the open field test together with the detailed behavior score applied in this model are a very powerful tool to assess the spontaneous behavior of pigs following PNT induced neuropathic pain.