Rats with signs of neuropathy were subjected to SCS applied in awake, freely moving condition. Oxotremorine was administered intrathecally. Tactile, cold and heat sensitivities were assessed by using von Frey filaments, cold spray

and focused radiant heat, respectively. Oxotremorine i.t. dose-dependently suppressed the tactile hypersensitivity. SCS markedly increased withdrawal thresholds (WTs), withdrawal LY2874455 supplier latencies and cold scores. When combining SCS with a subeffective dose of oxotremorine i.t., the suppressive effect of SCS on the pain-related symptoms was dramatically enhanced in rats failing to obtain a satisfactory effect with SCS alone. In conclusion, the combination of SCS and a drug with selective muscarinic Semaxanib receptor agonistic properties could be an optional therapy, when SCS per se has proven inefficient. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Continuing aortic neck dilatation, most probably an expression of ongoing aneurysmal wall

degeneration of the infrarenal aortic segment, has been shown to seriously impair clinical results after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. However, conflicting data on the extent and clinical relevance on this observation have recently been published. This article reviews the recent literature, summarizing our current understanding of the role of aortic neck dilatation after open surgical and endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. In addition, differences in methodology of studies on aortic neck dilatation a-re highlighted.”
“The streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes model is widely used for the induction of neuropathy in the rat. In this model, diabetic animals of ten display chronic illness, which raises objections not only on ethical but also on scientific grounds. In this study,

the investigators set out to determine the Diflunisal impact of bodyweight and body condition (BC) on behavioral testing in the rat. Animals were allocated to four different groups as a function of their bodyweight, in particular one control group and three experimental groups with different starting weights (low bodyweight [LBW], medium bodyweight [MBW] and high bodyweight [HBW]), the groups having been rendered diabetic with an intraperitoneal injection of STZ (65 mg/kg). Bodyweight, blood glucose, body condition and thresholds for mechanical hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia were measured or evaluated over a 68-day period. Animals with a LBW at the start of the experiment showed a gradual increase in BW with a decrease in mechanical nociceptive thresholds, while MBW and HBW animals presented a decrease in both thresholds and BW. The body condition score (BCS) decreased in all STZ-treated groups over time.