Efficacy and Spinal Noradrenergic Mechanisms of Contralateral Melittin Acupuncture Against Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathic Pain in Rats

Applications of melittin to ST36 modulated spinal α1- and α2-adrenoceptors. This modulation induced a significant reorganization of nociceptive processing within dorsal horn pain-transmitting neurons, leading to attenuated neuropathic signs in the contralateral limb of rats. Collectively, our behavioral and neurophysiological findings provide pre-clinical evidence supporting melittin-based pharmacoacupuncture as a potential therapy for paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain.