Mildly Increased Mechanical Nociceptive Sensitivity in REV-ERBa Knock-out Mice

Nociception is one of the most complex senses that is affected not only by external stimulation but also internal conditions. Previous studies have suggested that circadian rhythm is important in modulating nociception. REV-ERBa knock-out (KO) mice have disrupted circadian rhythm and altered mood-related phenotypes. In this study, we examined the role of REV-ERBa in inflammatory nociception. We found that the nociceptive sensitivity of KO mice was partially enhanced in mechanical nociception. However, this partial alteration was independent of the circadian rhythm. Taken together, deletion of REV-ERBa induced a mild change in mechanical nociceptive sensitivity but this alteration was not dependent on the circadian rhythm.