Spinal neuronal activity and neuroinflammatory component in a mouse model of CFA-induced vestibulodynia

• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.04.012
• Publication Date: 2024-04-16T23:57:53Z
• Authors: Serena Boccella; Michela Perrone; Antimo Fusco; Roozbe Bonsale; Rosmara Infantino; Silvia Nuzzo; Giovanni Pecoraro; Federica Ricciardi; Andrea Maria Morace; Gianluca Petrillo; Ilaria Leone; Monica Franzese; Vito de Novellis; Francesca Guida; Marco Salvatore; Sabatino Maione; Livio Luongo
• Keywords: Allodynia

Vestibulodynia is a complex pain disorder characterized by chronic discomfort in the vulvar region, often accompanied tactile allodynia and spontaneous pain. In patients depressive behaviour also observed. this study, we have used model of vestibulodynia induced complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) focusing our investigation on spinal cord neurons microglia. We investigated allodynia, pain, depressive-like behavior as key behavioral markers vestibulodynia. addition, conducted vivo electrophysiological recordings to provide, for first time knowledge, characterization sacral neuronal activity L6-S1 dorsal horn cord. Furthermore, examined microglia activation using immunofluorescence, unveiling hypertrophic phenotypes indicative neuroinflammation This represents novel insight into role pathology. To address therapeutic aspect, employed pharmacological interventions GABApentin, amitriptyline, PeaPol. Remarkably, all three drugs, clinic, showed efficacy alleviating behavior. Concurrently, observed normalization altered firing reduction phenotypes. conclusion, study provides comprehensive understanding CFA-induced vestibulodynia, encompassing behavioral, neurophysiological neuroinflammatory aspects. These data pave way investigate plasticity