Between Scylla and Charybdis: assessing the multidimensional aspects of pain behaviors in rats using a double avoidance place preference paradigm.

Although the behavioral response to pain is complex and involves supraspinal processes, assessment of pain symptoms in animal models still mainly relies on reflex-based nociceptive tests, which do not account for the affective-motivational nor cognitive components of pain. We introduce a double avoidance place preference paradigm, an integrated testing procedure in freely moving rats that relies on the conflict between the avoidance of a dark compartment in which a thermal ramp is activated, and the escape towards an aversive brightly lit compartment. We were able to differentiate the first nociceptive threshold from the temperature of definitive escape from the dark compartment, conveying information on the adaptive behavior of animals.

Virtual reality hypnosis diminishes experimental cold pain and alters autonomic responses.

Immersive virtual reality (VR) is a promising tool to reduce pain in clinical setting. Digital scripts displayed by VR disposals can be enriched by several analgesic interventions, which are widely used to reduce pain. One of these techniques is hypnosis induced through the VR script (VRH) which is facilitated by immersive environment and particularly efficient even for low hypnotizable patients.

Towards a central origin of nociceptive hypersensitivity in adult rats after a neonatal maternal separation.

Early life adversities influence a nervous system still in development with long-term consequences for later life. These include nociceptive circuit alterations critical to shape an adaptive pain response to protect the organism from potential damage. Adult rats with a history of neonatal maternal separation (NMS) display visceral and somatic nociceptive hypersensitivity and inefficient analgesic responses to stress.

Effect of an intraoperative periradicular application of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on residual post-surgical neuropathic pain after disc herniation surgery: study protocol for NeuroPRF, a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The prevalence of post-surgical lumbar neuropathic radiculopathy is approximately 30%. Poor response to the recommended treatments for neuropathic pain, namely antidepressants and/or gabapentinoids, requires the development of new techniques to prevent chronic pain. One such well-tolerated technique is the administration of autologous plasma enriched in platelets and fibrin (PRF).

Identification of bacterial lipopeptides as key players in IBS.

Objectives: Clinical studies revealed that early-life adverse events contribute to the development of IBS in adulthood. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between prenatal stress (PS), gut microbiota and visceral hypersensitivity with a focus on bacterial lipopeptides containing γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Design: We developed a model of PS in mice and evaluated, in adult offspring, visceral hypersensitivity to colorectal distension (CRD), colon inflammation, barrier function and gut microbiota taxonomy.