We examined whether RVM neurons were lost in two models of neuropathic pain, chronic constriction injury (CCI) and spared nerve injury (SNI).
Tactile hypersensitivity was observed after both CCI and SNI.
RVM neuronal loss was not observed ten days after either CCI or SNI.
RVM neuronal death would be expected to result in glial proliferation (gliosis). Gliosis was not observed 10 days after either CCI or SNI.
We conclude that loss of RVM neurons is not required for development of hypersensitivity after CCI or SNI.