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Transcranial direct-current stimulation reduces nociceptive behaviour in an orofacial pain model
Vanessa L Scarabelot1,2,3, Carla de Oliveira2,3, Liciane F Medeiros2,3
1Post-Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Physiology, Health Basic Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|October 4, 2018
Summary
Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) effectively reduced orofacial pain in rats. This non-pharmacological therapy demonstrated lasting pain relief and modulated key neuroinflammatory markers.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Noninvasive Brain Stimulation
Background:
- Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique.
- tDCS is explored as a therapeutic option for pain management.
- It may reverse maladaptive plasticity linked to chronic pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate tDCS effects on mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in a rat orofacial pain model.
- To assess the impact of tDCS on brainstem and serum levels of BDNF, NGF, IL-10, and IL-6.
- To evaluate the duration of tDCS effects at 24 hours and 7 days post-treatment.
Main Methods:
- Rats with induced temporomandibular joint pain were treated with tDCS.
- Mechanical hyperalgesia (von Frey test) and thermal hyperalgesia (hot plate test) were measured.
- Neuroimmunomodulator levels (BDNF, NGF, IL-6, IL-10) were quantified using ELISA.
Main Results:
- tDCS significantly reduced both mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia (P < 0.01).
- tDCS increased brainstem BDNF and NGF levels.
- Elevated IL-6 and IL-10 levels were observed in the brainstem post-tDCS.
Conclusions:
- tDCS effectively alleviates mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in an orofacial pain model.
- The analgesic effects of tDCS persisted for up to 7 days.
- tDCS shows promise as an effective non-pharmacological treatment for orofacial inflammatory pain.
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