The objective of this study was to investigate the time-course of the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β after L5 spinal nerve transection (SNT), and to determine the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting these cytokines on neuropathic pain.

Rats received control siRNA (CON group, n = 80) or a cocktail of siRNAs targeting these cytokines (COCK group, n = 70). The siRNAs were given via intrathecal catheter 1 d prior to SNT, on the operation day, and 1, 2 and 3 d postoperatively. Behavioral tests and levels of the cytokine mRNAs and proteins as well as glial cell activity were following the L5 SNT.

In the CON group, TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA levels increased immediately after SNT and remained high for 6 d, while IL-6 transcripts only began to increase after 12 h. TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA levels in the COCK group were lower than in the CON group at all time points (P < 0.05). In the behavioral tests, allodynia and hyperalgesia were significantly lower in the COCK group from 2 d after SNT (P < 0.05).

The time courses of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β mRNA expression after L5 SNT differ. RNA interference may be a method of reducing the development of mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia in response to nerve injury.