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High force reaching task induces widespread inflammation, increased spinal cord neurochemicals and neuropathic pain
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

High force reaching task induces widespread inflammation, increased spinal cord neurochemicals and neuropathic pain

Melanie B. Elliott, Ann E. Barr, Brian D. Clark, Mamta Amin, Shreya Amin and Mary F. Barbe
Neuroscience, v 158(2), pp 922-931
07 Nov 2008
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.10.050
PMID: 19032977
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
url
https://europepmc.org/articles/pmc2661572View
Accepted (AM),  Open

Abstract

cytokines macrophages musculoskeletal disorder nerve injury repetitive strain injury spinal cord
Repetitive strain injuries (RSI), which include several musculoskeletal disorders and nerve compression injuries, are associated with performance of repetitive and forceful tasks. In this study, we examined the effects of performing a voluntary, moderate repetition, high force (MRHF; 9 reaches/min; 60% maximum pulling force) task for 12 weeks on motor behavior and nerve function, inflammatory responses in forearm musculoskeletal and nerve tissues and serum, and neurochemical immunoexpression in cervical spinal cord dorsal horns. We observed no change in reach rate, but reduced voluntary participation and grip strength in week 12, and increased cutaneous sensitivity in weeks 6 and 12, the latter indicative of mechanical allodynia. Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) decreased 15% in the median nerve in week 12, indicative of low-grade nerve compression. ED-1 cells increased in distal radius and ulna in week 12, and in the median nerve and forearm muscles and tendons in weeks 6 and 12. Cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 increased in distal forearm bones in week 12, while IL-6 increased in tendon in week 12. However, serum analysis revealed only increased TNF-α in week 6 and macrophage inflammatory protein 3a (MIP3a) in weeks 6 and 12. Lastly, Substance P and neurokinin-1 were both increased in weeks 6 and 12 in the dorsal horns of cervical spinal cord segments. These results show that a high force, but moderate repetition task, induced declines in motor and nerve function as well as peripheral and systemic inflammatory responses (albeit the latter was mild). The peripheral inflammatory responses were associated with signs of central sensitization (mechanical allodynia and increased neurochemicals in spinal cord dorsal horns).

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52 citations in Web of Science
59 citations in Scopus

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Neurosciences
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