Assessing the Translational Potential of a Thermally-Induced Chronic Pain Model in Mice

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Interdisciplinary Centers, Units and Projects::Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CURF)::Fall Research Expo
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Medical Sciences
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Chronic pain
Mouse
Medicine
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2025-09-04
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Dago Fernandez, Samuel
Wisser, Stephen
Cichon, Joseph
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Abstract

Chronic pain affects nearly 69 million Americans. Although it is a widespread condition, the neurobiological mechanisms associated with its onset are poorly understood. Therefore, translational animal models that mimic pain hypersensitivity, alongside comorbid affective conditions, are needed for clinical progress. Here, we evaluated the translational validity of a new Thermally Induced Pain (TIP) model in mice. TIP consists of a hot plate set to 45°C for 2 minutes, with a second 2-minute exposure occurring 1 hour afterwards, and this process is repeated daily for 7 days. Mechanical hypersensitivity was examined via Von Frey testing, while multiple behavioral assays were utilized for anxiety- and depression-like evaluations. Mice in the TIP condition developed significant and persistent secondary hyperalgesia as indicated by decreased withdrawal thresholds across 28 days; however, no significant evidence for primary hyperalgesia was observed on the hot plate. Moreover, preliminary behavioral results suggest potential comorbid anxiety since TIP mice spent more time on the closed arms of the elevated plus maze; however, light/dark, open field, forced swim and tail suspension tasks revealed no significant effects. Overall results support that TIP produces chronic pain–like hypersensitivity with possible comorbid anxiety, and thus should be considered for use in preclinical pain research.

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2025-09-15
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Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring (PURM) program
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