The role of spinal nuclear factor-kappa B in spinal hyperexcitability.

In behavioral experiments, inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB activation by systemic administration of the IkappaB kinase inhibitor S1627 has been shown to attenuate inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Here, we specifically investigated with electrophysiological recordings in anesthetized rats whether spinal application of S1627 influences hyperexcitability of dorsal horn neurons during an acute knee joint inflammation. Spinal application of S1627 before and early during development of inflammation totally prevented spinal hyperexcitability suggesting an important role of spinal nuclear factor-kappaB in this process.