Models of Neuropathic Pain

Greentech Bioscience is committed to offering several chemical and surgical models of neuropathic pain, covering chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy, and peripheral nerve injury models (such as CCI, PNL, SNI). All studies are conducted at our AAALAC accredited animal facilities and in compliance with GLP requirements.

Animal Models of Neuropathic Pain

Chronic pain usually lasts over several months and affects ~11%-19% of the adult population, which can be classified into inflammatory pain and neuropathic pain. Currently, there is no effective and safe enough treatment for neuropathic pain. Greentech Bioscience offers multiple animal models that mimic neuropathic pain conditions of various etiologies to meet a variety of preclinical research needs.

1. Chemotherapy Induced Neuropathic Pain Model

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (CINP) is a severe adverse effect in cancer patients, even causing severe disability. Paclitaxel is a diterpenoid alkaloid-based broad-spectrum anticancer agent, which is widely used in the treatment of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, and so on. Repeated administration of Paclitaxel in rats can induce peripheral neuropathy.

Animal species: rats

Model characteristics: The paclitaxel-induced rat model of peripheral neuropathy produces mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia. This model highly simulates chemotherapy induced neuropathic pain in clinical conditions.

2. STZ Induced Diabetic Neuropathic Pain Model

Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetic patients, causing limb pain, hyperesthesia, burning pain and other symptoms. Intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) can replicate painful diabetic neuropathy in humans.

Animal species: mice, rats

Model characteristics: The streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse model exhibits rapid increase in blood glucose, weight loss, as well as hyperpathia and mechanical hyperalgesia.

3. Models of Peripheral Nerve Injury

(1) Rat Model of Chronic Constriction Injury

Sciatica is one of the most common sources of clinical pain. Chronic constriction injury is a widely used experimental model of chronic neuropathic pain induced by four loose ligatures around the sciatic nerve, causing intraneural edema, focal ischemia, and Wallerian degeneration. The CCI model is characterized by simplicity and high clinical similarity.

Animal species: rats

Model characteristics: CCI rats manifest cold and mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, as well as spontaneous pain such as paw lifting and licking for a period of two months. The CCI model reflects the degree and duration of peripheral neuropathic pain in clinic.

(2) Partial Sciatic Nerve Ligation Model, PSL/PSNL

The partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSL) model is one of the most widely employed models of neuropathy, which simulates partial nerve injury in humans. The PSL rat model involves a tight ligation of 1/3 to 1/2 of the sciatic nerve, causing mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia and spontaneous pain for up to 7 months.

Animal species: rats

Model characteristics: The PSL model is a reproducible experimental model and produces long-lasting pain.

(3) Spared Nerve Injury Model, SNI

The spared nerve injury (SNI) model is a reproducible, easy, reliable experimental model of peripheral nerve injury. The SNI model involves ligation of the tibial nerve and the common peroneal nerve, leaving the sural nerve intact.

Animal species: rats

Model characteristics: The SNI model manifests mechanical hyperalgesia and cold hyperalgesia, which is characterized by robust and long-lasting response and doesn’t require expert microsurgical skills.

Clinical Assessment

(1) Clinical observations

(2) Pain-related behavioral tests: mechanical threshold, thermal threshold, tail-flick test

Case Study

1. The rat model of neuropathic pain induced by repeated administrations of STZ

2. The animal model for peripheral neuropathic pain induced by repeated injections of paclitaxel

Inquiries

Request a quote now, or email us at BD@greentech-bio.com to inquire about our services or obtain a quote for your project.

References

1. Dowdall T,Robinson I,Meert TF.Comparison of five different rat models of peripheral nerve injury.[J].Pharmacol Biochem Behav,2005,1:93-108.

2. Guida F,De Gregorio D,Palazzo E,et al.Behavioral, Biochemical and Electrophysiological Changes in Spared Nerve Injury Model of Neuropathic Pain.[J].Int J Mol Sci,2020,9.