Low formalin concentrations induce fine-tuned responses that are sex and age-dependent: A developmental study

The formalin test is increasingly applied as a model of inflammatory pain using high formalin concentrations (5–15%). However, little is known about the effects of low formalin concentrations on related behavioural responses. To examine this, rat pups were subjected to various concentrations of formalin at four developmental stages: 7, 13, 22, and 82 days of age. At postnatal day (PND) 7, sex differences in flinching but not licking responses were observed with 0.5% formalin evoking higher flinching in males than in females. A dose response was evident in that 0.5% formalin also produced higher licking responses compared to 0.3% or 0.4% formalin. At PND 13, a concentration of 0.8% formalin evoked a biphasic response. At PND 22, a concentration of 1.1% evoked higher flinching and licking responses during the late phase (10–30 min) in both males and females. During the early phase (0–5 min), 1.1% evoked higher licking responses compared to 0.9% or 1% formalin. 1.1% formalin produced a biphasic response that was not evident with 0.9 or 1%. At PND 82, rats displayed a biphasic pattern in response to three formalin concentrations (1.25%, 1.75% and 2.25%) with the presence of an interphase for both 1.75% and 2.25% but not for 1.25%. These data suggest that low formalin concentrations induce fine-tuned responses that are not apparent with the high formalin concentration commonly used in the formalin test. These data also show that the developing nociceptive system is very sensitive to subtle changes in formalin concentrations.Ihssane Zouikr, Melissa A. Tadros, Vicki L. Clifton, Kenneth W. Beagley, Deborah M. Hodgso

Osmotically-induced nerve taurine depletion and the compatible osmolyte hypothesis in experimental diabetic neuropathy in the rat

Diabetic neuropathy results from progressive nerve fibre damage with blunted nerve regeneration and repair and may be complicated by nerve hyperexcitability resulting in pain. The naturally occurring amino acid taurine functions as an osmolyte, inhibitory neurotransmitter, and modulator of pain perception. It is also known to have neurotrophic actions. The compatible osmolyte hypothesis proposes that levels of intracellular organic osmolytes including taurine and myo-inositol, respond co-ordinately in response to changes in intracellular sorbitol or external osmolality to maintain the intracellular milieu. We hypothesize that glucose-induced sorbitol accumulation in diabetes mellitus will result in taurine depletion in peripheral nerve which may potentially impair nerve regeneration and precipitate neuronal hyperexcitability and pain. This study explored the relationships of taurine, myo-inositol and sorbitol in the rat nerve and their effects on nerve conduction velocity. Osmolyte levels and nerve conduction velocity were determined in sciatic nerve from non-diabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, with or without dietary taurine or myo-inositol supplementation. Taurine levels decreased by 31% ( p < 0.01) and myo-inositol decreased by 37% ( p <0.05) in diabetic nerve as sorbitol accumulated. Taurine supplementation of diabetic animals did not affect nerve conduction velocity but further reduced nerve myo-inositol levels. Prevention of sorbitol accumulation with the aldose reductase inhibitor sorbinil increased nerve taurine levels by 22% ( p <0.05) when compared with untreated diabetic animals. Thus, we have demonstrated an interdependence of organic osmolytes within the nerve. Abnormal accumulation of one osmolyte results in reciprocal depletion of others. Diabetic neuropathy may be an example of maladaptive osmoregulation, nerve damage and instability being aggravated by taurine depletion.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/46028/1/125_2004_Article_BF00404069.pd