Spinal ‘Botox’ jab could relieve pain
December 26th, 2010 - 11:37 am ICT by ANIWashington, Dec 26 (ANI): A new study has found that Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A)-better known as Botox-reduces responses to an inflammation-related pain stimulus when injected into the spinal canal in mice.
“BoNT/A, with its long-lasting antinociceptive effect, may be a useful analgesic in inflammatory pain,” Newswise quoted Won-Ho Lee, of Seoul National University, who led the research, as saying.
The researchers used a standard experimental model of pain in mice to examine the effects of spinal (intrathecal) BoNT/A injection. In this model, a chemical called formalin is injected into the paw, producing a predictable two-phase inflammatory pain response. Pain behaviors were monitored for up to four weeks in mice that did and did not receive spinal Botulinum neurotoxin.
Even a single spinal injection of Botulinum neurotoxin produced a pain-reducing effect: mice receiving the injection exhibited significantly fewer pain behaviors, particularly during the second phase of the pain response.
These effects were not accompanied by any movement abnormalities, suggesting that Botulinum neurotoxininjection did not adversely affect spinal cord function.
The pain-reducing effect of a single injection of Botulinum neurotoxin peaked at 10 days, then decreased up to 14 days. Mice treated with Botulinum neurotoxin also had significant reductions in certain neurotransmitters involved in various types of pain conditions.
The study has been published in the January issue of Anesthesia and Analgesia, official journal of the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS). (ANI)
- Ginkgo Biloba extracts could treat pain, inflammation - Apr 28, 2011
- New drug restores responsiveness to morphine - Jan 31, 2011
- Marijuana derivative may ease neuropathic pain sans side effects - Jul 02, 2010
- Electrical stimulation produces pain-reducing effects in humans - Nov 04, 2010
- Re-engineered toxins can treat asthma, arthritis - Jan 02, 2012
- Botox may not be effective in treating migraines - Feb 10, 2011
- Llama proteins are potential bioterrorism weapons - Jan 21, 2010
- Compound in carrots, peppers boosts brain health - Oct 14, 2010
- Single shot relieves pain in spinal injuries - Dec 02, 2011
- Botox jabs can ease tennis elbow pain - Apr 27, 2010
- Mirror therapy prevents phantom limb pains in patients undergoing amputation - Jan 21, 2010
- New treatment to heal spinal injuries - Nov 17, 2011
- New treatment could help minimize nerve damage in spinal cord injuries - May 04, 2011
- Potential new multiple sclerosis treatment - Nov 19, 2010
- Nose-spray vaccine proves effective against botulism - Jan 09, 2009
Tags: anesthesia research, bont, botox, botulinum neurotoxin, experimental model, inflammation, inflammatory pain, international anesthesia, intrathecal, mice, neurotransmitters, pain behaviors, pain response, paw, second phase, seoul national university, spinal canal, spinal cord, spinal cord function, stimulus