Evidence Details for Gfap
PMID Title Journal Year Abstract
29981376 Acupuncture Resolves Persistent Pain and Neuroinflammation in a Mouse Model of Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions. J Pain. 2018 Dec;19(12):1384.e1-1384.e14. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2018.05.013. Epub 2018 Jul 4. 2018 Dec Patients with chronic overlapping pain conditions have decreased levels of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), an enzyme that metabolizes catecholamines. Consistent with clinical syndromes, we previously demonstrated that COMT inhibition in rodents produces persistent pain and heightened immune responses. Here, we sought to determine the efficacy of manual acupuncture in resolving persistent pain and neuroinflammation in the classic inbred C57BL/6 strain and the rapid-wound healing MRL/MpJ strain. Mice received subcutaneous osmotic minipumps to deliver the COMT inhibitor OR486 or vehicle for 13 days. On day 7 after pump implantation, acupuncture was performed at the Zusanli (ST36) point or a non-acupoint for 6 consecutive days. Behavioral responses to mechanical stimuli were measured throughout the experiment. Immunohistochemical analysis of spinal phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, a marker of inflammation, and glial fibrillary acidic protein, a marker of astrogliosis, was performed on day 13. Results demonstrated that ST36, but not sham, acupuncture resolved mechanical hypersensitivity and reduced OR486-dependent increases in phosphorylated p38 and glial fibrillary acidic protein in both strains. The magnitude of the analgesic response was greater in MRL/MpJ mice. These findings indicate acupuncture as an effective treatment for persistent pain linked to abnormalities in catecholamine signaling and, furthermore, that analgesic efficacy may be influenced by genetic differences. PERSPECTIVE: Chronic overlapping pain conditions remain ineffectively managed by conventional pharmacotherapies. Here, we demonstrate that acupuncture alleviates persistent pain and neuroinflammation linked to heightened catecholaminergic tone. Mice with superior healing capacity exhibit greater analgesic efficacy. Findings indicate acupuncture as an effective treatment for chronic overlapping pain conditions and provide insight into treatment response variability."

Evidence Sentence: Immunohistochemical analysis of spinal phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated kinase (p-p38 MAPK), a marker of inflammation, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a marker of astrogliosis, was performed on day 13.
Evidence Sentence: Results demonstrated that ST36, but not sham, acupuncture resolved mechanical hypersensitivity and reduced OR486-dependent increases in p-p38 and GFAP in both strains.
Evidence Sentence: To evaluate changes in the activation of astrocytes in our mouse model of COPCs, we performed immunostaining of spinal cord sections collected on day 13 using an anti-GFAP antibody as a marker of astrogliosis.
Evidence Sentence: C57BL/6 mice receiving continuous systemic deli very of OR486 exhibited a 130% increase in GFAP+ astrocytes compared to those receiving vehicle (F3,41=6.76, P < .0009; Fig.
Evidence Sentence: Similarly, MRL/MpJ mice receiving continuous systemic delivery of OR486 exhibited a 70% increase in GFAP+ astrocytes compared to those receiving vehicle (F3,41=7.47, P < .0004; Fig.
Evidence Sentence: The percentage of OR486-induced GFAP+ astrocytes in both strains was reduced by ST36 acupuncture, but not sham acupuncture.
Evidence Sentence: Direct comparison of GFAP staining in C57BL/6 and MRL/MpJ strains, demonstrated comparable levels of astrocyte activation following systemic delivery of vehicle.
Evidence Sentence: However, systemic delivery of OR486 led to greater increases in GFAP+ astrocytes in C57BL/6 mice compared to MRL/MpJ mice (Supplemental Fig.
Evidence Sentence: No significant differences in GFAP staining were observed among C57BL/6 or MRL/MpJ mice in the Veh, Veh+ST36, and Veh+sham control groups (Supplemental Fig.