Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in the Treatment of Induced Neuropathic Pain

Sara F.Nunes 1 , Priscila C. Crespo 1, Ronaldo F. P. Castanho 1, Ricardo N. Goulart 1, Mayara S. Soares 1, Giovana D. Gamaro 1, Francieli M. Stefanello 1, Izabel C. de Souza 1

1. Cell Modulatory Laboratory, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: Measure possible changes in the concentration of substances reactive to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) in the serum of adult rats with neuropathic pain induced after treatment with Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS).

METHODS: 45 male Wistar rats aged 60 days were divided into 9 groups of 5 animals each: Control without electrode; Control electrode-off; Control Stimulated; Exposed without electrode; Exposed electrode-off; Exposed Stimulated; Injured without electrode; Injured electrode-off; Injured stimulated. The injured groups were submitted to sciatic nerve constriction, while the exposed groups underwent the same procedure but without being injured. After 14 days, the stimulated groups were treated with tDCS daily for 20 min, for 8 days. After the last session, the rats were sacrificed and the serum was collected. To determine lipid peroxidation, the TBARS method was performed, these data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Student Newman Keuls Test, and the total proteins present in them were quantified. This study was approved by the UFPEL Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee (CEEA 10480-14).

RESULTS: TBARS levels (nmol / mg protein) are shown in (table 1). None of the 9 groups showed significant differences from each other after statistical analysis. The present study evaluated the long-term effects of ETCC, 34 days after injury induction. TBARS levels did not change in the long term, but in the short term, they may have changed and returned to baseline levels in any period evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS: ETCC did not change TBARS levels 34 days after induction.

TABLE

KEYWORDS: TBARS, TDCS, Neuropathic Pain

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Cell Modulatory Laboratory (NeuroCell) and Bioengineering of the Clinic Hospitals of Porto Alegre (HCPA).

FUNDING/FINANCIAL SUPPORT: CAPES and CNPq.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21801/ppcrj.2020.S1.27