• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.37-47
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• 2011

Objectives : We have studied the effects of GaAlAs (808 nm) low level laser therapy (LLLT) and acupuncture at BL40 on neuropathic pain in rats induced by lumbar spinal nerve 5 ligation. Methods : To produce the model of neuropathic pain, under isoflurane 2.5% anesthesia, the lumbar spinal nerve 5 was ligated by 6-0 silk thread. After neuropathic surgery, we examined if the animals exhibited the behavioral sign of allodynia. The allodynia was assessed by stimulating the medial malleolus with von Frey filament and acetone. Three weeks after the neuropathic surgery, GaAlAs (808 nm) low level laser and acupuncture was inserted at BL40 once a day for 6 days. We examined the withdrawal response of neuropathic rats' legs by von Frey filament and acetone stimulation. And also the author examined c-Fos, nociceptin and nociceptin receptor in the midbrain central gray of neuropathic rats. Results : The GaAlAs (808 nm) low level laser therapy and acupuncture at BL40 decreased the withdrawal response of mechanical allodynia that assessed with von Frey filament in LLLT group on 5 and 6 times and with acetone in AT group and LLLT on 6times. The LLLT and acupuncture at BL40 decreased the c-Fos protein expression in AT and LLLT groups. The 808 nm LLLT and acupuncture at BL40 decreased the nociceptin protein and nociceptin receptor protein in LLLT group. Conclusions : We have noticed that GaAlAs (808 nm) LLLT and acupuncture at BL40 decreased mechanical allodynia in the model of neuropathic pain. c-Fos, nociceptin and nociceptin receptor expression in the central gray of that group was also decreased. This study can be used as a basic resource on a study and a treatment of pain.