Neural mobilization reverses behavioral and cellular changes that characterize neuropathic pain in rats

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The neural mobilization technique is a noninvasive method that has proved clinically effective in reducing pain sensitivity and consequently in improving quality of life after neuropathic pain. The present study examined the effects of neural mobilization (NM) on pain sensitivity induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) in rats. The CCI was performed on adult male rats, submitted thereafter to 10 sessions of NM, each other day, starting 14 days after the CCI injury. Over the treatment period, animals were evaluated for nociception using behavioral tests, such as tests for allodynia and thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia. At the end of the sessions, the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays for neural growth factor (NGF) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Results: The NM treatment induced an early reduction (from the second session) of the hyperalgesia and allodynia in CCI-injured rats, which persisted until the end of the treatment. On the other hand, only after the 4th session we observed a blockade of thermal sensitivity. Regarding cellular changes, we observed a decrease of GFAP and NGF expression after NM in the ipsilateral DRG (68% and 111%, respectively) and the decrease of only GFAP expression after NM in the lumbar spinal cord (L3-L6) (108%). Conclusions: These data provide evidence that NM treatment reverses pain symptoms in CCI-injured rats and suggest the involvement of glial cells and NGF in such an effect.     

Subtropical Brazilian mangroves as a refuge of crab (Decapoda: Brachyura) diversity

This study characterized seven mangrove areas of different sizes, located on the southeastern Brazilian coast, with respect to their sediment and vegetation features. We also estimated the richness and composition of the brachyuran assemblages in these mangroves. Crab, vegetation and sediment data were collected during low tide. The larger mangroves showed richer and complex forests, and may be more ecologically stable than smaller mangroves. Twenty-eight species of crabs were recorded, members of nine families: Panopeidae, Pinnotheridae, Gecarcinidae, Grapsidae, Sesarmidae, Varunidae, Ocypodidae, Ucididae, and Portunidae. Ocypodoidea predominated over Grapsoidea in the smaller mangrove areas in pioneer stages of forest establishment, whereas the opposite was recorded for larger and more stable mangroves, where the forest can reach advanced stage of development. Comprido is a small mangrove, but its crab assemblage was similar to the larger ones, probably because of other factors not investigated here (e.g., megalopa settling rate). This study provided basic knowledge for developing conservation strategies for vulnerable mangrove ecosystems.