Low affinity NGF receptor (p75 neurotrophin receptor) inhibitory antibody reduces pain behavior and CGRP expression in DRG in the mouse sciatic nerve crush model

Nerve growth factor (NGF) and its low‐affinity receptor, p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), are important mediators of pain. To explore further the mechanisms involved, we examined suppression of pain behavior and expression of neuropeptides such as calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) using a p75 NTR inhibitory antibody, in a mouse sciatic nerve crush model. In the nerve‐injured model, 150 µg of a p75 NTR inhibitory antibody or 10 µl of saline were applied. The sciatic nerve in the sham‐operated group was uninjured. Mechanical allodynia was measured for 2 weeks. CGRP and p75NTR expression in L5 dorsal root ganglions (DRGs) was examined immunohistochemically. Mechanical allodynia was found in the two nerve injured groups, but not in the sham‐operated group (p