The Unmet Needs for Studying Chronic Pelvic/Visceral Pain Using Animal Models

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Neto, AC (Author) Other; Santos Pereira, M (Author) Other; Abreu Mendes, P (Author) Other; Neves, D (Author) Other; Almeida, H (Author) Other; Cruz, F (Author) Other; Charrua A. (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Biomedicines

Vol. 11

Final page: 696

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 4 Citations

Scopus - 4 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00X-Z9E

DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030696

Abstract (EN): <jats:p>The different definitions of chronic pelvic/visceral pain used by international societies have changed over the years. These differences have a great impact on the way researchers study chronic pelvic/visceral pain. Recently, the role of systemic changes, including the role of the central nervous system, in the perpetuation and chronification of pelvic/visceral pain has gained weight. Consequently, researchers are using animal models that resemble those systemic changes rather than using models that are organ- or tissue-specific. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using bladder-centric and systemic models, enumerating some of the central nervous system changes and pain-related behaviors occurring in each model. We also present some drawbacks when using animal models and pain-related behavior tests and raise questions about possible, yet to be demonstrated, investigator-related bias. We also suggest new approaches to study chronic pelvic/visceral pain by refining existing animal models or using new ones.</jats:p>

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific