A midline dorsal column (DC) lesion has been shown to be an effective surgical treatment for the relief of pelvic visceral pain in patients. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a DC lesion for the relief of pancreatitis pain in awake rats. Homecage activity was measured in rats with pancreatitis or sham surgery. Pancreatitis was induced by infusion of glycodeoxycholic acid (10 mM) into the pancreas and intraperitoneal injection of caerulian (72 microg). Homecage activity was also measured in rats with pancreatitis after either a DC lesion of the C1 level of the spinal cord or a sham DC lesion. A significant reduction in rearing behavior was observed in rats with pancreatitis when compared to sham animals. DC lesions reversed this reduction in rearing activity. This study suggests that the DCs are involved in transmitting nociceptive signals from the pancreas to the brain.

No abstract

No abstract

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintain™ the data needed, and completing and reviewing this collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204 Arlington VA 22202-4302 and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0704-0188), Washington, DC 20503

No abstract