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Significant determinants of mouse pain behaviour.
Michael S Minett1, Niels Eijkelkamp2, John N Wood1
1Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, Gower Street, London, United Kingdom.
Plos One
|August 8, 2014
Summary
Technical details in mouse pain research, like anatomical location and stimulus intensity, significantly impact results. Careful consideration of these factors is crucial for accurate pain phenotype characterization in knockout mice.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain research
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Transgenic mouse models are vital for understanding pain mechanisms.
- Conflicting pain phenotype data from knockout mice highlight methodological issues.
- Technical variations in behavioral assays can lead to discrepancies in pain research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate technical factors influencing mouse pain behavior measurements.
- To explain discrepancies in pain phenotypes of knockout mouse models.
- To emphasize the need for comprehensive behavioral testing in pain research.
Main Methods:
- Utilized von Frey hairs for touch perception and Randall-Selitto test for mechanical pain thresholds.
- Assessed thermal pain thresholds using Hargreaves apparatus and thermal place preference test.
- Examined knockout mice for sodium channels (Nav1.7, Nav1.8, Nav1.9) and TRPA1, alongside varying stimulus parameters and anatomical locations.
Main Results:
- Nav1.7 knockout mice exhibited mechanical deficits in hairy skin, abolished by hair removal.
- Nav1.7, Nav1.8, Nav1.9 knockouts showed tail mechanosensation deficits, not paw deficits.
- TRPA1 knockout mice displayed paw mechanosensation loss, not tail loss.
- Heat and cold sensitivity varied with stimulus intensity and neuronal subtypes.
- Circadian rhythms caused significant (80%) variation in von Frey responses.
Conclusions:
- Accurate characterization of transgenic mouse pain phenotypes requires diverse behavioral models.
- Testing across different anatomical sites, stimulus intensities, and circadian times is essential.
- Overlooking technical variables can lead to misinterpretation or missed pain behavioral phenotypes.
