Electroacupuncture Reduces Carrageenan- and CFA-Induced Inflammatory Pain Accompanied by Changing the Expression of Nav1.7 and Nav1.8, rather than Nav1.9, in Mice Dorsal Root Ganglia

Figure 2

Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 expressions were increased in ipsilateral DRGs after intraplantar carrageenan injection and further attenuated by EA at the ST36 acupoint in mice, though Nav1.9 was not different. (a)–(c) Nav1.7, Nav1.8, and Nav1.9 immunoreactive neurons were found in lumbar DRGs at the ipsilateral site of the saline-injected group. (d)-(e) Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 immunoreactive neurons were increased in the carrageenan-injected group, but (f) Nav1.9 immunoreactive neurons were not increased. (g)-(h) Carrageenan-induced increases of Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 were attenuated by EA, as compared to those of the carrageenan-induced group. (i) Nav1.9 immunoreactive neurons were not altered by EA at the ipsilateral site of inflammation. (j)-(k) Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 immunoreactive neurons were increased in the S-Acu group. (l) Nav1.9 immunoreactive neurons were not altered in the S-Acu group. (m)-(n) Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 immunoreactive neurons were increased in the S-GM group. (o) Nav1.9 immunoreactive neurons were not altered in the S-GM group. Scale bar = 50 um.