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Ultrastructural Changes in Axons Following Exposure to Pulsed Radiofrequency Fields
Author(s) -
Erdine Serdar,
Bilir Ayhan,
Cosman Eric R.,
Cosman Jr. Eric R.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
pain practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1533-2500
pISSN - 1530-7085
DOI - 10.1111/j.1533-2500.2009.00317.x
Subject(s) - pulsed radiofrequency , sciatic nerve , ultrastructure , dorsal root ganglion , medicine , sensory system , neuropathic pain , biomedical engineering , anatomy , neuroscience , dorsum , biology , anesthesia , pain relief
Abstract Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) fields applied by an electrode to neural structures, such as the peripheral sensory nociceptor axons and dorsal root ganglion, are clinically effective in reducing pain and other neuropathic syndromes. However, a full understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which this occurs has not yet been clarified. In this study, PRF is applied to the afferent axons of the sciatic nerves of rats. A standard radiofrequency (RF) electrode and RF generator is used to apply the RF signal output to the sciatic nerve using standard PRF parameters that have been successfully used in clinical practice. The ultrastructure of the treated axons is observed after 10 days by electron microscopy. A control, sham application is simultaneously applied to the contralateral sciatic nerve to provide a statistical differential comparison. It is found that the internal ultrastructural components of the axons show microscopic damage after PRF exposure, including: abnormal membranes and morphology of mitochondria, and disruption and disorganization of microfilaments and microtubules. The damage appears to be more pronounced for C‐fibers than for A‐delta and A‐beta fibers. The results are discussed in terms of internal electric field strengths and thermodynamic parameters.