NEC Seminar:
Presenter: Aaron Skubal
Title: Transient Selective Neural Inhibition via Photobiomodulation (tSNIP)
Abstract: Current methods for treating pain often face significant limitations, including risks of addiction, limited efficacy, and undesirable systemic effects. Consequently, there is a pressing need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Direct Photobiomodulation (PBM) applied to nerves has emerged as a promising technique for reducing small-diameter axon hypersensitivity, potentially offering a novel treatment option for patients experiencing chronic pain. This method, recently termed Transient Selective Neural Inhibition via PBM (tSNIP), demonstrates potential in pain reduction. However, its effectiveness in managing chronic pain has yet to be fully optimized. This study aims to refine tSNIP dosing parameters by exploring dosing schemes achievable by commercial Internal Pulse Generators (IPGs) to understand the feasibility of using one in an implantable system to reduce development time. Ultimately, the investigation also plans to assess different combinations of these variables to identify the most effective treatment protocols. Utilizing a low-dose capsaicin pain model in rats, tSNIP was administered by exposing the sciatic nerve, positioning a fiber optic cable adjacent to the nerve, and irradiating it with light. Behavioral experiments were conducted to evaluate changes in sensitivities of sensory perceptions associated with small-fibers (thermal hypersensitivities). Preliminary results indicate that specific combinations of power and duty cycle significantly reduce pain compared to control groups. Notably, higher irradiance demonstrated the most effective reduction in sensitivities. This study underscores the critical importance of optimizing tSNIP parameters to maximize therapeutic benefits in neuropathic pain management. Future research should focus on further refinement of these dosing schemes and elucidation of the underlying mechanisms, with the goal of establishing standardized PBM protocols for clinical applications.