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Local anaesthesia decreases nerve growth factor induced masseter hyperalgesia
Yuri M Costa1,2,3, Fernando G Exposto4,5, Eduardo E Castrillon4,5
1Department of Biosciences, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Av. Limeira, 901, Piracicaba, CEP 13414-903, Brazil. yuricosta@fop.unicamp.br.
Local anesthesia reduced nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced jaw pain and mechanical sensitivity in the masseter muscle. This suggests peripheral mechanisms contribute to persistent musculoskeletal pain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a role in pain sensitization.
- Understanding the role of local anesthetics in NGF-induced hyperalgesia is crucial for pain management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of local anesthesia on NGF-induced masseter hyperalgesia.
- To assess the impact of lidocaine on pain and mechanical sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- Healthy participants received injections of isotonic saline (IS) or NGF into the masseter muscle.
- A second injection of lidocaine or IS was administered 48 hours later.
- Mechanical sensitivity, jaw pain intensity, and jaw function were assessed at multiple time points.
Main Results:
- NGF induced significant jaw pain and chewing discomfort compared to IS.
- Lidocaine significantly reduced mechanical sensitivity in the masseter muscle shortly after injection.
- No significant differences were observed in referred sensations between groups.
Conclusions:
- Local anesthetics, like lidocaine, can alleviate NGF-induced hyperalgesia.
- Peripheral mechanisms are likely involved in the maintenance of persistent musculoskeletal pain.
- These findings support the use of local anesthetics in managing certain types of jaw pain.
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