In-vivo transfection of the proopiomelanocortin gene, precursor of endogenous endorphin, by use of radial shock waves alleviates neuropathic pain

POMC gene transfection alleviated allodynia and reduced CGRP expression in DRG neurons without adverse effects. CGRP is not produced in large neurons under physiologic conditions; however, in this study CGRP expression was shifted to large neurons after nerve injury. This change in cell-size distribution suggests that CGRP expression in large neurons is related to neuropathic pain. These findings suggest that POMC gene transfection using RSWs is a safe and effective treatment for neuropathic pain.