Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) prevents chronic stress-induced hyperalgesia in rats

Publication date: Available online 16 November 2017
Source:Brain Stimulation
Author(s): F. Fregni, I.C. Macedo, L.N. Spezia-Adachi, V.L. Scarabelot, G. Laste, A. Souza, Paulo Roberto Stefani Sanches, W. Caumo, I.L.S. Torres
BackgroundChronic stress (CS) is associated with a decrease in pain threshold caused by the changes in neural pain circuits. It can be associated to glucocorticoid imbalance with alterations in neural circuitry. Inhibition of stress-induced pain-related neural changes by using techniques that safely induce neuroplasticity such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may prevent hyperalgesia triggered by CS. Objective: This study aimed to verify the effect of tDCS performed prior to CS exposure on nociceptive response. Methods: Thirty-two rats were distributed in the following groups: control; stress; sham-tDCS + stress; and tDCS + stress. Bicephalic active tDCS was performed for 8 consecutive days before the CS exposure. The pain threshold was evaluated using a hot plate and tail flick latency (TFL) tests. Results: The tDCS exposure increased the pain threshold on stressed rats. Conclusion: The data obtained indicate that the treatment with bicephalic active tDCS before chronic stress exposure prevents stress-induced hyperalgesia.



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