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. 2021 Jun 3;15:642349. doi: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.642349

FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 4

Behavioral evaluations in model rats. Schematic diagram showing the timeline and treatments used in generating the pelvic pain model, together with subsequent measurements. Starting from week four, oxytocin or saline was injected 24 h after estradiol benzoate for pelvic pain (PP) and control animals, respectively (A). Writhing and pain threshold was measured 24 h after the last dose of oxytocin or saline, LFPs were recorded on days 58 and 59. (B,C) Number of writhing events (30 min time window) (4 weeks: PP: 28.442 ± 3.217; 5 weeks: 37.154 ± 3.485; 6 weeks: 27.442 ± 3.156; 7 weeks: 22.308 ± 2.133; 8 weeks: 20.481 ± 2.789) (t = 9.947, p = 1.627 × 10– 18) and latency (4 weeks: 5.072 ± 1.694 s; 5 weeks: 4.302 ± 1.544 s; 6 weeks: 7.069 ± 1.882 s; 7 weeks: 4.334 ± 0.950 s; 8 weeks: 7.820 ± 1.834 s) (n = 26). (D) Model rats show significantly reduced paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) compared to control rats (n = 8–10) (PP: 6.199 ± 1.296 g; Control: 25.368 ± 0.000 g) (t = –16.667, p = 1.558 × 10− 11), suggesting increased pain sensitivity in model rats, which is in agreement with observations in PDM women. Values represent mean ± SEM. ***p < 0.001.