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High frequency alternating current neurostimulation decreases nocifensive behavior in a disc herniation model of lumbar radiculopathy.

Authors :
Dewberry LS
Porche K
Koenig T
Allen KD
Otto KJ
Source :
Bioelectronic medicine [Bioelectron Med] 2023 Jul 12; Vol. 9 (1), pp. 15. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Jul 12.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate if kilohertz frequency alternating current (KHFAC) stimulation of peripheral nerve could serve as a treatment for lumbar radiculopathy. Prior work shows that KHFAC stimulation can treat sciatica resulting from chronic sciatic nerve constriction. Here, we evaluate if KHFAC stimulation is also beneficial in a more physiologic model of low back pain which mimics nucleus pulposus (NP) impingement of a lumbar dorsal root ganglion (DRG).<br />Methods: To mimic a lumbar radiculopathy, autologous tail NP was harvested and placed upon the right L5 nerve root and DRG. During the same surgery, a cuff electrode was implanted around the sciatic nerve with wires routed to a headcap for delivery of KHFAC stimulation. Male Lewis rats (3 mo., n = 18) were separated into 3 groups: NP injury + KHFAC stimulation (n = 7), NP injury + sham cuff (n = 6), and sham injury + sham cuff (n = 5). Prior to surgery and for 2 weeks following surgery, animal tactile sensitivity, gait, and static weight bearing were evaluated.<br />Results: KHFAC stimulation of the sciatic nerve decreased behavioral evidence of pain and disability. Without KHFAC stimulation, injured animals had heightened tactile sensitivity compared to baseline (p < 0.05), with tactile allodynia reversed during KHFAC stimulation (p < 0.01). Midfoot flexion during locomotion was decreased after injury but improved with KHFAC stimulation (p < 0.05). Animals also placed more weight on their injured limb when KHFAC stimulation was applied (p < 0.05). Electrophysiology measurements at end point showed decreased, but not blocked, compound nerve action potentials with KHFAC stimulation (p < 0.05).<br />Conclusions: KHFAC stimulation decreases hypersensitivity but does not cause additional gait compensations. This supports the idea that KHFAC stimulation applied to a peripheral nerve may be able to treat chronic pain resulting from sciatic nerve root inflammation.<br /> (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2332-8886
Volume :
9
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Bioelectronic medicine
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
37434246
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s42234-023-00119-0