Rapid and Delayed Effects of Pulsed Radiofrequency on Neuropathic Pain: Electrophysiological, Molecular, and Behavioral Evidence Supporting Long-Term Depression

Authors: Huang RY, Liao CC, Tsai SY, Yen CT, Lin CW, Chen TC, Lin WT, Chang CH, Wen YR

Year: 2017 Feb

Category: Neuroscience

Journal: Pain Physician

Institution: University Medical Center, Taiwan

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28158164

Abstract

Abstract Summary

Overview

The study explores the mechanisms by which pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) can ameliorate neuropathic pain through its effects on electrophysiological transmission and biomolecular functions in neural tissues. This innovative research investigates both immediate and prolonged impacts of PRF.

Methods

  • Setting: Animal laboratory in a medical center of a university in Taiwan.
  • Subjects: Experiments conducted on normal rats and neuropathic pain rats that received spinal nerve ligation (SNL) eight days prior.
  • Procedure: Changes in field potentials in the L5 superficial spinal dorsal horn were compared pre and post a 5-minute session of low-voltage bipolar PRF at an intensity of 5 V.

Findings

Highlights from the study include:

  • PRF significantly reduced neuropathic pain indicators and did not affect non-pain related components.
  • Early and prolonged depressions of C-components associated with pain were observed, leading to a sustained reduction in pain sensitivity.
  • A reduction in ERK activation within neurons, demonstrating PRF’s potential to modulate nociceptive pathways over extended periods.

Conclusion

The research supports that low-voltage bipolar PRF is effective in the selective and persistent modulation of C-fiber-mediated spinal nociceptive hypersensitivity, suggesting a promising avenue for chronic pain management.

Pulsed radiofrequency neuropathic pain neural tissues long-term depression ERK activation
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