Decreased Activity in Neuropathic Pain Form and Gene Expression of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase5 and Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Beta in Soleus Muscle of Wistar Male Rats.
BACKGROUND
The relationship between decreased activity/neuropathic pain and gene expression alterations in soleus muscle has remained elusive.


OBJECTIVE
In this experimental study, we investigated the effects of decreased activity in neuropathic pain form on Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5 (CDK5) and Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 β (GSK-3β) gene expression in soleus muscle of rats.


METHODS
Twelve male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: (1) tight ligation of the L5 spinal nerve (SNL: n = 4); (2) sham surgery (Sham: n = 4), and (3) control (C: n = 4). The threshold to produce a withdrawal response to a mechanical and thermal stimulus was measured using von Frey filaments and radiation heat apparatus, respectively. Following 4 weeks after surgery, the left soleus muscle was removed and mRNA levels were determined by real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).


RESULTS
Compared to control animals, L5 ligated animals developed mechanical and heat hypersensitivity during total period of study. Soleus muscle weight as well as CDK5 mRNA levels (less than ~ 0.4 fold) was decreased and GSK-3β mRNA levels (up to ~ 7 folds) increased in L5 ligated animals.


CONCLUSIONS
These results showed enhanced muscle atrophy processes following peripheral nerve damage and might provide a useful approach to study underlying muscle mechanisms associated with clinical neuropathic pain syndromes.
Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Lorestan University, Khoram Abad, IR Iran.
Masoud
M
Rahmati
Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Lorestan University, Khoram Abad, IR Iran.
Seyed Jalal
SJ
Taherabadi
Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Lorestan University, Khoram Abad, IR Iran.
Mahmoud
M
Mehrabi
CDK5 Protein Kinase; Neuropathic Pain; Soleus Muscle