Evaluating the effects of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 on pain-associated behaviors in a rat model following implantation near the sciatic nerve.

OBJECTIVE It has been hypothesized that the recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) amplification of the host inflammatory response interacts with nerves in the spine and contributes to the occurrence of new, postoperative complaints of radiculitis. This in vivo rat study was conducted to assess the capacity for rhBMP-2/ACS (rhBMP-2 applied to absorbable collagen sponge [ACS]) to stimulate pain-associated behaviors in the rat chronic constriction injury (CCI) model. METHODS Rats were randomly assigned to one of 14 treatment groups.

Tissue distribution of clonidine following intraforaminal implantation of biodegradable pellets: potential alternative to epidural steroid for radiculopathy.

Background: Epidural steroid injections have shown efficacy in short-term pain relief, but often require repeated injections in order to provide continued pain relief. It has been suggested that a continuous, locally administered dose of an anti-inflammatory compound may provide sustained pain relief at doses lower than those needed with injections.

Objective: To evaluate the distribution of clonidine after transforaminal placement of a biodegradable drug delivery depot system.

Effect of etanercept, a tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor, on neuropathic pain in the rat chronic constriction injury model.

Study Design: The effects of a low, local dose of a tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitor on neuropathic pain behaviors in a rat chronic constriction injury model were evaluated.

Objective: To investigate whether a peripherally implanted polymer drug depot can deliver a dose of etanercept sufficient to reduce thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia in a rat model of neuropathic pain.

Summary Of Background Data: TNF-alpha inhibitors reduce pain-associated behavior in experimental models of neuropathic pain.

Effect on bone induction of using contrast media to reconstitute recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 in an ectopic model in rats.

Object: In this study the authors tested the osteoinductive potential of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) when combined with each of three commercially available contrast media (Conray, Omniscan, and Optiray).

Methods: Initial in vitro and cadaver tests verified the feasibility of using contrast media to visualize absorbable collagen sponge implants containing rhBMP-2 on fluoroscopic radiographic images. For the feasibility studies, lyophilized rhBMP-2 was prepared for injection by reconstitution with contrast media instead of sterile water.