This invention relates to the
engineering of animal cells, preferably mammalian, more preferably rat, that are deficient due to the disruption of
gene(s) or
gene product(s) resulting in altered
nervous system function. In one aspect, the altered function results in pain in the
mammal. In another aspect, the
nervous system dysfunction results in prolonged
hyperalgesia, allo dynia, and loss of sensory function. In another aspect, the invention relates to genetically modified rats, as well as the descendants and ancestors of such animals, which are animal models of altered
nervous system function mediated pain and methods of their use. In another aspect, the genetically modified rats, as well as the descendants and ancestors of such animals, are animal models of nervous
system dysfunction resulting in prolonged
hyperalgesia,
allodynia, and loss of sensory function and methods of their use. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of identifying a compound useful for the treatment or prevention of pain.