[Activation of astrocytes effects changes of substance P in cornu dorsal medullae spinalis in chronic prostatitis rats].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the changes of substance P in cornu dorsal medullae spinalis effected by activation of astrocytes in rats with pain from chronic prostatitis.

METHODS

Sixty SD rats were randomized into three groups: the control group (n=20), the chronic prostatitis pain model group (n=20) and the interference group (n=20). The model was induced by injection of complete Freund adjuvant and 3% carrageenan into the prostate. Propentofylline was given with PE-10 in the spinal cord of the rat models. The activation of astrocytes and the distribution of substance P in the spinal cord were detected with immunofluorescence and the changes of substance P observed by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

The activation of astrocytes was significantly increased in the models compared with controls, but significantly reduced in interfered group in comparison with the pain model group (P < 0.01), and such was the case with substance P (P <0.01).

CONCLUSION

The activation of astrocytes was one important reason for the changes of substance P excreted from cornu dorsal medullae spinalis in the chronic prostatitis rats.