Analgetic effect of docosahexaenoic acid is mediated by modulating the microglia activity in the dorsal root ganglia in a rat model of neuropathic pain

The analgetic activity of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3) was studied using a chronic constriction injury (CCI) model in rats, and the dynamics of iba-1 (+) microglia/macrophages in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were characterized. DHA reduced the intensity and duration of neurogenic pain. The application of DHA led to an earlier stabilization of weight bearing in the incapacitance test and prevented the development of cold allodynia and degenerative changes in tissues of the denervated limb. DHA treatment significantly reduced satellite glia reaction and expression of the pro-apoptotic p53 protein in the DRG. Thus, DHA's anti-pain effect may be a result of the modulation of microglia/macrophages activity and the development of neuroprotective effects at the level of the dorsal root ganglia.