Studies in this laboratory and elsewhere have shown that transplants of adrenal chromaffin cells into the spinal subarachnoid space can result in reduction in """"""""pain"""""""" behaviors in rat models of persistent pain. In a continuation of this work, experiments are proposed using rats with persistent pain due to experimentally-induced arthritis or sciatic nerve constriction. Two primary goals will be addressed; these are: 1) to assess the safety of adrenal medullary and chromaffin cell transplants in the spinal subarachnoid space; and 2) to clarify the mechanisms of reduction of pain behaviors consequent to adrenal medullary transplants, with particular attention to analysis of the effects on neuroplastic remodeling and long-term neuropathological consequences of chronic pain. The """"""""safety"""""""" issue will be addressed by analysis of three factors: 1) motor and other physiological functions; 2) cerebrospinal fluid and blood serum, and 3) neuropathology in spinal cord tissues. The effects of adrenal medullary transplants on functional plasticity in the central nervous system will be examined in the animal pain models with a combination of behavioral measurements and measurements of immediate early gene expression in spinal and supraspinal structures. Evaluation of the benefits of transplants on long-term pathological processes will be examined histologically by analysis of spinal tissues for the presence of hyperchromatic (""""""""dark"""""""") neurons and for changes in the numbers of neurons expressing the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS025054-11
Application #
2823431
Study Section
Neurological Sciences Subcommittee 1 (NLS)
Program Officer
Kitt, Cheryl A
Project Start
1987-07-01
Project End
2000-08-31
Budget Start
1998-09-01
Budget End
1999-08-31
Support Year
11
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Miami School of Medicine
Department
Neurosurgery
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
Miami
State
FL
Country
United States
Zip Code
33146
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