Background & objective: This study was carried out to determine the effects of reactive oxygen species in the balance between the pro-oxidant and antioxidant levels in experimental peripheral constriction injury induced by silver wire looping of sciatic nerve of rats.
Methods: Rats were divided into experimental group 1 (silver wire ligated) and group 2 (control, sham operated). Functional and behavioural activities were assessed by a modified Basso Beattie Bresnahan (BBB) locomotory rating scale. Mechanical pain intensity was measured with Randall and Selitto apparatus. Foot positioning, toe spread, paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency were carried out on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 in rats with chronic pain. Oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) were measured along with antioxidants such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) on day 30 after constriction in sciatic nerve, spinal cord, dorsal root ganglion, dorsal root and ventral root.
Results: Significant (P<0.05) increase in MDA, AOPP, SOD and GPx and decrease in the GSH and catalase activities in sciatic nerve, spinal cord, dorsal root ganglion, dorsal root and ventral root were observed in experimental group rats compared to control group. There was no recovery in foot positioning and toe spread. Reduced paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency was observed in ligated rats compared to control rats.
Interpretation & conclusion: Foot positioning, toe spread, paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency with no recovery until day 30 confirmed locomotory deficits, hyperalgesia and neuronal impairment. Oxidative stress evidenced by increased MDA, AOPP and decreased GSH and catalase support the generation of reactive oxygen species in constriction model. The present experimental model for chronic pain induced by silver wire spirally coiled around sciatic nerve may be useful for future studies.