Measurements of Evoked Compund Action Potentials in a Rodent Model of Neuropathic Pain Following Administration of Alcohol, Nicotine and Pain Medications
Major
Neuroscience
Submission Type
Poster
Area of Study or Work
Neuroscience
Faculty Advisor
Joe Williams
Location
CNS Atrium
Start Date
4-13-2024 8:30 AM
End Date
4-13-2024 9:45 AM
Abstract
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an effective pain management therapy used to reduce chronic, neuropathic pain for individuals whom traditional methods have not been completely successful. SCS provides neural stimulation via an electrode array that disrupts neuronal signals to decrease pain responses. A variety of parameters have been studied in an attempt to find the ideal frequency for treatment. However, existing methods still result in postural overstimulation when changes in anatomical position cause the pulse generator to move closer to the spinal cord resulting in adverse effects. Closed loop SCS is a model that records the live electrical activity in the spinal column and uses this information to calculate and adjust stimulation parameters to reduce postural overstimulation. Evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) measure the amplitude of activity in the stimulated tissue and could, theoretically, be used to create a closed loop system. Closed loop SCS has been studied; however, research has yet to be done to explore the possible effects of commonly used drugs on the outcomes of a closed loop model. Therefore, this work will explore the effect of substances commonly used among those with chronic nerve pain (including ethanol, nicotine, ketamine, buprenorphine, duloxetine, gabapentin and a vehicle control) on ECAPS. For this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the animal model due to the physiological similarities to the human nervous system. ECAPs were recorded prior to and after administration of the pharmacological agent. Adult rats then received a spared nerve injury (SNI) to the sciatic nerve which is a well-established rat model of chronic pain. The agents were administered to rats prior to subsequent ECAPs recordings. The animal's pain threshold was observed by examining the paw withdrawal thresholds (PWT) with Von Frey filaments. Results will be discussed following study completion.
Measurements of Evoked Compund Action Potentials in a Rodent Model of Neuropathic Pain Following Administration of Alcohol, Nicotine and Pain Medications
CNS Atrium
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an effective pain management therapy used to reduce chronic, neuropathic pain for individuals whom traditional methods have not been completely successful. SCS provides neural stimulation via an electrode array that disrupts neuronal signals to decrease pain responses. A variety of parameters have been studied in an attempt to find the ideal frequency for treatment. However, existing methods still result in postural overstimulation when changes in anatomical position cause the pulse generator to move closer to the spinal cord resulting in adverse effects. Closed loop SCS is a model that records the live electrical activity in the spinal column and uses this information to calculate and adjust stimulation parameters to reduce postural overstimulation. Evoked compound action potentials (ECAPs) measure the amplitude of activity in the stimulated tissue and could, theoretically, be used to create a closed loop system. Closed loop SCS has been studied; however, research has yet to be done to explore the possible effects of commonly used drugs on the outcomes of a closed loop model. Therefore, this work will explore the effect of substances commonly used among those with chronic nerve pain (including ethanol, nicotine, ketamine, buprenorphine, duloxetine, gabapentin and a vehicle control) on ECAPS. For this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were used for the animal model due to the physiological similarities to the human nervous system. ECAPs were recorded prior to and after administration of the pharmacological agent. Adult rats then received a spared nerve injury (SNI) to the sciatic nerve which is a well-established rat model of chronic pain. The agents were administered to rats prior to subsequent ECAPs recordings. The animal's pain threshold was observed by examining the paw withdrawal thresholds (PWT) with Von Frey filaments. Results will be discussed following study completion.