Characterization of the nociceptive effect of carrageenan: Masseter versus gastrocnemius

To better understand the pathophysiology of chronic muscle pain, there are multiple animal models that mimic different acute/chronic pain conditions, such as carrageenan injection. Our previous studies demonstrated differences between muscles of different innervation in acute pain. In this study we characterized the effect of carrageenan in 2 muscles: masseter (trigeminal innervation) and gastrocnemius (spinal innervation).

Carrageenan (3%, 6%, and 9%) was injected into the masseter and gastrocnemius of rats. Mechanical, heat, and chemical nociceptive thresholds were measured for 14 days.

Carrageenan did not induce mechanical allodynia or thermal hypersensitivity in either muscle. Instead, it induced a short-lasting mechanical hyperalgesia, greater in the masseter than in the gastrocnemius.

Carrageenan injected into the masseter and gastrocnemius induces a short-lasting hyperalgesia. These results could indicate a higher susceptibility of orofacial muscles to this type of insult and, consequently, a difference between trigeminal and spinal innervation. Muscle Nerve 56: 804-813, 2017.