Electroacupuncture induces antihyperalgesic effect through endothelin-B receptor in the chronic phase of a mouse model of complex regional pain syndrome type I
Mazzardo-Martins L, Salm DC, Winkelmann-Duarte EC, Ferreira JK, Lüdtke DD, Frech KP, Belmonte LAO, Horewicz VV, Piovezan AP, Cidral-Filho FJ, Moré AOO, Martins DF · Pflügers Archiv - European Journal of Physiology · 2018 August 10
DOI 10.1007/s00424-018-2192-2
Objective
To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture on hyperalgesia and edema in a chronic post-ischemia pain animal model and determine the involvement of endothelin receptor type B.
Conclusions
Electroacupuncture reduced mechanical and cold hyperalgesia and edema through effects involving peripheral endothelin receptor type B activation and central endothelin receptor type B blockade, supporting its potential as an adjunctive nonpharmacological treatment for complex regional pain syndrome type I.
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Insights
Electroacupuncture reduced pain sensitivity and swelling in a mouse pain syndrome model by enhancing peripheral endothelin receptor signaling while spinal receptor blockade extended relief.
Female Swiss mice underwent temporary hind-paw blood-flow restriction followed by restoration of circulation to induce chronic post-ischemia pain. Researchers applied electroacupuncture and assessed mechanical and cold pain sensitivity and paw swelling over time. They then administered drugs that either blocked or activated endothelin type B receptors in peripheral tissue or the spinal cord, and measured peripheral receptor expression using protein analysis.
Electroacupuncture progressively reduced heightened pain responses and swelling. Blocking peripheral endothelin type B receptors prevented its pain-relieving effect, whereas activating these receptors strengthened it. In contrast, spinal blockade prolonged relief, indicating opposite peripheral and spinal roles. Electroacupuncture also increased peripheral endothelin type B receptor expression, supporting combined electroacupuncture and receptor-targeted treatment strategies.
