Nitric oxide modulates spinal antinociceptive effect of clonidine but not that of baclofen in the formalin test in rats.

The aim of present study was to determine the influence of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis on intrathecal (i.t.) clonidine or baclofen antinociception in the formalin test. Formalin injection into the hindpaw of a rat induces a biphasic response in pain-related behaviours, such that C-fiber activation (acute pain) during phase 1 triggers a state of spinal sensitization characterized by longer lasting phase 2 (tonic pain). Intrathecal clonidine and baclofen, at doses without effect upon motor performance, produced a dose-dependent inhibition of both phases of the formalin test. Potency of both drugs, defined by ID50 for phase 2 of the formalin test, was 3.5 and 0.6 nmol, respectively. Intrathecal coadministration of L-arginine, substrate of NO synthase (NOS) or NOS inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), dose-dependently reduced or potentiated, respectively, the antinociceptive effect of clonidine but not that of baclofen in the formalin test. The importance of NO formation in the antinociceptive effect of clonidine is further supported by the observation that neither D-arginine nor D-NAME were able to modify clonidine antinociception. These results suggest that the NO synthesis plays a modulatory role in the antinociceptive effect of clonidine, while the mechanism underlying the baclofen-induced antinociception seems to be different.     

Effect of diabetes on the mechanisms of intrathecal antinociception of sildenafil in rats

The mechanism of intrathecal antinociceptive action of the phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor sildenafil was assessed in diabetic rats using the formalin test. Intrathecal administration of sildenafil (12.5-50 microg) produced a dose-related antinociception during both phases of the formalin test in non-diabetic and diabetic rats. Intrathecal pretreatment with N-L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, 1-50 microg), 1H-(1,2,4)-oxadiazolo(4,2-a)quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, 1-10 microg), KT5823 (protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor, 5-500 ng), charybdotoxin (large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel blocker, 0.01-1 ng), apamin (small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel blocker, 0.1-3 ng) and glibenclamide (ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker, 12.5-50 microg), but not N-D-nitro-arginine methyl ester (D-NAME, 50 microg) or saline, significantly diminished sildenafil (50 microg)-induced antinociception in non-diabetic rats. Intrathecal administration of ODQ, KT5823, apamin and glibenclamide, but not L-NAME nor charybdotoxin, reversed intrathecal antinociception induced by sildenafil in diabetic rats. Results suggest that sildenafil produces its intrathecal antinociceptive effect via activation of NO-cyclic GMP-PKG-K+ channels pathway in non-diabetic rats. Data suggest that diabetes leads to a dysfunction in NO and large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels. Sildenafil could have a role in the pharmacotherapy of diabetes-associated pain.     

Antinociceptive effect of spinally administered cannabinergic and 2-adrenoceptor drugs on the formalin test in rat: possible interactions

The current experiments were designed to study the antinociceptive effects of intrathecal (i.t.) administration of cannabinoid CB1 receptor and 2-adrenoceptor drugs in the nociceptive processing and also their receptor interactions. Different doses of a cannabinoid receptor agonist, CP 55,940, and an 2-adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine induced a dose-dependent antinociception in both phases of the formalin test.CP 55,940-induced antinociception was reduced by pretreatment of a selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, SR 141716A, but not by pretreatment with an 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine in both phases of the test. However, yohimbine and SR 141716A attenuated the antinociception induced by clonidine in the early phase but not in the late phase of the test. While SR 141716A by itself did not influence pain behaviour, the reversal effect of clonidine by SR 141716A indicate that clonidine stimulate the release of endocannabinoid(s).In conclusion, our findings may suggest that: (1) spinal cannabinoid and 2-adrenoceptor systems are able to induce antinociception in both phases of formalin test, and (2) the cannabinoid system may be involved in the antinociception induced by adrenoceptors in the early phase.     

Lack of reciprocity between opioid and 5-HT3 receptors for antinociception in rat spinal cord

We examined the properties of the drug interaction between morphine and 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist at the spinal level. The nociceptive state was induced by subcutaneously injecting formalin solution (5%, 50 microl) into the hindpaw of the rats. Intrathecal morphine and m-CPBG (5-HT(3) receptor agonist) dose-dependently decreased the flinching response during phase 1 and phase 2 in the formalin test. Intrathecal 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists (LY-278,584 and ondansetron) did not reverse the antinociceptive effect of intrathecal morphine. Intrathecal naloxone had little effect on attenuation of the antinociception of intrathecal m-CPBG. Taken together, no reciprocal interaction was noted between 5-HT(3) receptor and opioid receptors at the spinal level. Thus, the 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist may be useful to manage opioid-induced emesis at the spinal level.     

Antinociceptive mechanisms associated with diluted bee venom acupuncture (apipuncture) in the rat formalin test: involvement of descending adrenergic and serotonergic pathways.

In a previous report, subcutaneous injection of diluted bee venom (dBV) into a specific acupuncture point (Zusanli, ST36), a procedure termed apipuncture, was shown to produce an antinociceptive effect in the rat formalin pain model. However, the central antinociceptive mechanisms responsible for this effect have not been established. Traditional acupuncture-induced antinociception is considered to be mediated by activation of the descending pain inhibitory system (DPIS) including initiation of its opioidergic, adrenergic and serotonergic components. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether the antinociceptive effect of apipuncture is also mediated by the DPIS. Behavioral experiments verified that apipuncture significantly reduces licking behavior in the late phase of formalin test in rats. This antinociceptive effect of apipuncture was not modified by intrathecal pretreatment with naltrexone (a non-selective opioid receptor antagonist), prazosin (an alpha1 adrenoceptor antagonist) or propranolol (an beta adrenoceptor antagonist). In contrast, intrathecally injected idazoxan (an alpha2 adrenoceptor antagonist) or intrathecal methysergide (a serotonin receptor antagonist) significantly reversed apipuncture-induced antinociception. These results suggest that apipuncture-induced antinociception is produced by activation of alpha2 adrenergic and serotonergic components of the DPIS.     

芋螺毒素ω-SO3单次及连续给药对福尔马林致大鼠炎性疼痛的镇痛作用

目的评价单次及连续鞘内给药ω-SO3对福尔马林致大鼠炎性疼痛的镇痛作用。方法采用福尔马林致大鼠炎性疼痛模型,通过大鼠鞘内置管术分别单次及多次鞘内给药,观察ω-SO3对炎性疼痛急性期和持续期的镇痛强度和有效时间以及连续给药对其镇痛作用可能的影响;通过大鼠自发活动实验评价ω-SO3单次鞘内给药可能引起的中枢副反应。结果在大鼠福尔马林炎性疼痛模型上,单次鞘内给药ω-SO3产生剂量及时间依赖性的镇痛作用,其抑制炎性疼痛急性期和持续期的ED50值分别为1.79和0.41ng.g-1,比吗啡的镇痛作用强并且有效时间长;以ED80剂量每日鞘内给药2次连续5d后,ω-SO3仍然产生与单次给药类似的镇痛强度,而吗啡的镇痛作用降低,说明产生镇痛耐受,更有意义的是ω-SO3对吗啡镇痛耐受大鼠仍具有镇痛作用。在上述镇痛剂量范围内,ω-SO3单次鞘内给药对大鼠自发活动没有明显的影响。结论ω-SO3对福尔马林致炎性疼痛的急性期和持续期均具良好的镇痛作用,其镇痛作用强,有效时间长,连续给药不产生自身镇痛耐受,并且对吗啡不产生交叉耐受。     

Roles of adenosine receptor subtypes in the antinociceptive effect of intrathecal adenosine in a rat formalin test

The contributions of adenosine receptor subtypes to antinociception produced by adenosine were determined at the spinal level. There are 4 types of adenosine receptors, namely A1, A(2A), A(2B) and A3. The authors investigated the properties of the subtypes of spinal adenosine receptors in terms of nociceptive modulation. The nociceptive state was induced by subcutaneously injecting formalin solution (5%, 50 microl) into the hind paws of male Sprague-Dawley rats. After observing the effect of intrathecal adenosine during the formalin test, the effects of intrathecal adenosine A1 (CPT), A(2A) (CSC), A(2B) (alloxazine) and A3 (MRS 1220) receptor antagonists on the action of adenosine were examined. Intrathecal adenosine inhibited phase 2 flinching response without affecting phase 1 response. CPT, CSC, alloxazine and MRS 1220 antagonized the antinociceptive action of adenosine during phase 2 of the formalin test. These results suggest that spinal adenosine A1, A(2A), A(2B) and A3 receptors may play an important role in the antinociception of adenosine in the formalin-induced facilitated state.     

Sildenafil increases diclofenac antinociception in the formalin test

The antinociceptive activity of an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5, alone or combined with diclofenac, was assessed in the formalin test. Local administration of diclofenac produced a significant antinociception in both phases of the formalin test in female Wistar rats. In contrast, 1-[4-ethoxy-3-(6,7-dihydro-1-methyl-7-oxo-3-propyl-1H-pyrazolo [3,4-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)phenylsulfonyl]-4-methyl piperazine (sildenafil, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5) produced significant antinociception, only during the second phase of the formalin test. Non-effective doses of sildenafil (25-100 microg/paw) significantly increased the antinociceptive effect of an inactive dose of diclofenac (25 microg) in both phases of the test. The antinociception produced by the drugs alone or the combination was due to a local action, as its administration in the contralateral paw was ineffective. Since sildenafil is a potent and selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5, our results suggest that this drug produced its antinociceptive activity, and increased that of diclofenac, probably through the inhibition of cyclic GMP degradation.     

Sildenafil enhances the peripheral antinociceptive effect of ellagic acid in the rat formalin test

Objective:

Ellagic acid (EA), a major polyphenolic compound of pomegranate juice, produces antinociceptive effects, which are mediated through opioidergic and nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO-cGMP) pathways. The present study was conducted to elucidate the peripheral antinociceptive effect of EA alone and in combination with sildenafil in the rat formalin test.

Materials and Methods:

Pain was produced by intraplantar injection of formalin (2.5%) in rats and nociceptive behavior was measured as the number of flinches every 5 min in 60 min after injection.

Results:

Local administration of EA and sildenafil dose-dependently increased the nociception threshold in both phases of the test. Moreover, sub-effective doses of sildenafil (25 or 50 mcg/paw, i.p.) significantly and dose-dependently enhanced the antinociception induced by a sub-effective dose of EA (60 mcg/paw, i.pl.) in both phases of the test. The antinociception produced by these drugs alone, or in combination, was due to a peripheral site of action, since the administration in the contralateral paw was ineffective.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that EA has local peripheral antinociceptive activity, and enhancement of this effect with sildenafil probably occurs through the inhibition of cGMP metabolism.KEY WORDS: Ellagic acid, formalin, peripheral antinociception, sildenafil     

Effects of A-317491, a novel and selective P2X3/P2X2/3 receptor antagonist, on neuropathic, inflammatory and chemogenic nociception following intrathecal and intraplantar administration

We have recently reported that systemic delivery of A-317491, the first non-nucleotide antagonist that has high affinity and selectivity for blocking P2X3 homomeric and P2X2/3 heteromeric channels, is antinociceptive in rat models of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. In an effort to further evaluate the role of P2X3/P2X2/3 receptors in nociceptive transmission, A-317491 was administered either intrathecally or into the hindpaw of a rat in several models of acute and chronic nociception. Intraplantar (ED50=300 nmol) and intrathecal (ED50=30 nmol) injections of A-317491 produced dose-related antinociception in the CFA model of chronic thermal hyperalgesia. Administration of A-317491 by either route was much less effective to reduce thermal hyperalgesia in the carrageenan model of acute inflammatory hyperalgesia. Intrathecal, but not intraplantar, delivery of A-317491 attenuated mechanical allodynia in both the chronic constriction injury and L5-L6 nerve ligation models of neuropathy (ED50=10 nmol for both models). Intrathecal injections of A-317491 did not impede locomotor performance. Both routes of injection were effective in reducing the number of nocifensive events triggered by the injection of formalin into a hindpaw. Nocifensive behaviors were significantly reduced in both the first and second phases of the formalin assay (intrathecal ED50=10 nmol, intraplantar ED50>300 nmol). Nocifensive behaviors induced by the P2X receptor agonist alpha,beta-meATP were also significantly reduced by intraplantar injection of A-317491. These data indicate that both spinal and peripheral P2X3/P2X2/3 receptors have significant contributions to nociception in several animal models of nerve or tissue injury. Intrathecal administration of A-317491 appears to be more effective than intraplantar administration to reduce tactile allodynia following peripheral nerve injury.     

Ciproxifan在小鼠痛觉传导调节机制中的作用

目的:研究组胺H3受体拮抗剂ciproxifan(CPF)在小鼠痛觉传导调节过程中的作用及其机制.方法:用3种不同的小鼠痛觉模型(热板法、扭体法和福尔马林实验)观察CPF的镇痛作用.同时用特异性组胺脱羧酶(HDC)抑制药α-氟甲基组胺酸(α-FMH),观察组胺在CPF发挥镇痛效应过程中所起的作用.在福尔马林致痛模型中,还测定了小鼠脑、脊髓和血清中一氧化氮(NO)和前列腺素E2(PGE2)的含量.结果:热板实验中,CPF 1 mg%.皮下注射福尔马林能引起2个时相(Ⅰ相、Ⅱ相)的痛反应.这种由福尔马林引起的2个时相的痛反应均可明显被CPF 0.3, 1, 3 mg*kg-1抑制. 在3种致痛模型中,CPF的镇痛效应均可被α-FMH 50 mg*kg-1逆转.使用福尔马林后,小鼠脑和脊髓中NO和PGE2水平升高,而CPF能明显抑制这种升高作用,该抑制作用不被α-FMH所拮抗.但CPF对血清中NO和PGE2的浓度没有影响.结论:组胺H3受体拮抗药CPF对多种性质刺激引起的疼痛均有镇痛作用,对福尔马林引起的炎性疼痛和非炎性疼痛都有效.CPF的这种镇痛作用可能与其促进组胺释放有关;同时脑和脊髓中的NO和PGE2可能参与了CPF的镇痛作用.     

Antinociception in rat by sarpogrelate, a selective 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonist, is peripheral

The antinociceptive effect of sarpogrelate, a new selective 5-hydroxytriptamine (5-HT)(2A) receptor antagonist, in the formalin test was examined in rats. Sarpogrelate was administered intraperitoneally, locally (subcutaneously at the formalin test site) or intrathecally 10 min before formalin injection. Intraperitoneal (1-100 mg/kg) and local (0.01-1 mg) administration of sarpogrelate suppressed flinching behavior in both phases 1 (0-9 min) and 2 (10-60 min) in a dose-dependent manner. Intraperitoneal (100 mg/kg) and local (1 mg) injection 7 min after formalin injection reduced phase 2 flinches to the same degree as with the pre-treatment. Intrathecal administration (1-100 microg) showed no antinociceptive action, and facilitated phase 2 flinches at 10 microg. The plasma concentration of sarpogrelate after local administration of 1 mg was lower than after intraperitoneal administration of 10 mg/kg, although local administration produced more potent antinociception. The data imply that the antinociceptive effect of sarpogrelate results mainly from an action at peripheral sites.     

在小鼠痛觉传导调节机制中的作用(英文)

目的 :研究组胺H3受体拮抗剂ciproxifan(CPF)在小鼠痛觉传导调节过程中的作用及其机制。方法 :用 3种不同的小鼠痛觉模型 (热板法、扭体法和福尔马林实验 )观察CPF的镇痛作用。同时用特异性组胺脱羧酶 (HDC)抑制药α 氟甲基组胺酸 (α FMH) ,观察组胺在CPF发挥镇痛效应过程中所起的作用。在福尔马林致痛模型中 ,还测定了小鼠脑、脊髓和血清中一氧化氮 (NO)和前列腺素E2(PGE2 )的含量。结果 :热板实验中 ,CPF 1mg·kg- 1和 3mg·kg- 1能明显延长小鼠的痛反应时间 ,其镇痛作用从用药后 2 0min开始 ,可持续 6 0min以上。扭体实验中 ,CPF 1mg·kg- 1可明显抑制小鼠的扭体次数 ,最高抑制率达 4 9.85 %。皮下注射福尔马林能引起 2个时相 (Ⅰ相、Ⅱ相 )的痛反应。这种由福尔马林引起的 2个时相的痛反应均可明显被CPF 0 .3,1,3mg·kg- 1抑制。在 3种致痛模型中 ,CPF的镇痛效应均可被α FMH 5 0mg·kg- 1逆转。使用福尔马林后 ,小鼠脑和脊髓中NO和PGE2 水平升高 ,而CPF能明显抑制这种升高作用 ,该抑制作用不被α FMH所拮抗。但CPF对血清中NO和PGE2 的浓度没有影响。结论 :组胺H3受体拮抗药CPF对多种性质刺激引起的疼痛均有镇痛作用 ,对福尔马林引起的炎性疼痛和非炎性疼痛都有效。CPF的这种镇痛作用可能与其促进?     

Sildenafil produces antinociception and increases morphine antinociception in the formalin test

The antinociceptive activity of an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5 alone or combined with morphine was assessed in the formalin test. Local administration of 1-[4-ethoxy-3-(6, 7-dihydro-1-methyl-7-oxo-3-propyl-1H-pyrazolo [3, 4-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)phenylsulfonyl]-4-methyl piperazine (sildenafil, inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5) produced a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect in the second phase of the formalin test in female Wistar rats. In contrast, morphine produced antinociception in both phases. Sildenafil significantly increased the morphine-induced antinociception. The antinociception produced by the drugs alone or combined was due to a local action, as its administration in the contralateral paw was ineffective. Pretreatment of the paws with N(G)-L-nitro-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inhibitor), 1H-[1,2, 4]-oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, guanylyl cyclase inhibitor) or naloxone blocked the effect of the combination. Results suggest that opioid receptors, NO and cyclic GMP are relevant in the combination-induced antinociception. In conclusion, sildenafil produced antinociception and increased that produced by morphine, probably through the inhibition of cyclic GMP degradation.     

鞘内注射哌唑嗪对氯胺酮抗伤害作用的影响

目的　探讨脊髓α1 受体和氯胺酮(Ket, 37. 5mg·kg-1,ip)抗伤害作用的关系。方法　用热水甩尾法观察大鼠鞘内预先注射α1 受体拮抗剂哌唑嗪(Pra, 10, 30μg)对Ket抗伤害作用的影响。并用c fos基因免疫组织化学技术,观察Ket对痛刺激诱发的大鼠脊髓c- fos表达的调节作用及鞘内预先注射Pra(30μg)对Ket调节作用的影响。结果　鞘内单独注射各剂量Pra对动物痛阈均无明显影响(P>0 .05), 鞘内预注Pra(10μg)对Ket抗伤害作用无明显影响(P>0 .05)。而鞘内预注Pra(30μg)则可明显减弱Ket抗伤害作用(P<0 .05)。痛刺激前给予Ket明显减少背角各层Fos免疫阳性神经元的数量(P<0 .05),Ket对痛刺激诱发的脊髓ⅠⅣ层c fos表达的抑制作用可被鞘内预注Pra所减弱(P<0 .05)。结论　脊髓α1 受体参与Ket抗伤害作用。     

异氟烷催眠、镇痛作用与NMDA受体甘氨酸位点的关系

目的分析异氟烷催眠、镇痛作用与NMDA受体甘氨酸位点的关系。方法建立小鼠异氟烷注射催眠、镇痛模型后,在小鼠催醒、甩尾、福尔马林实验中,观察侧脑室或鞘内注射NMDA受体甘氨酸位点的激动剂D-丝氨酸(D-Serine,D-Ser)后小鼠睡眠时间、甩尾潜伏期或累计舔足时间的变化;用免疫组化方法观察异氟烷及鞘内用药对福尔马林小鼠脊髓Fos蛋白表达的影响。结果侧脑室注射D-Ser对异氟烷的催眠时间无影响(P>0.05)。鞘内注射D-Ser(0.025、0.05、0.1ng)可拮抗甩尾实验、福尔马林实验Ⅰ相中异氟烷的镇痛作用(P<0.05,P<0.01),而对福尔马林实验Ⅱ相异氟烷的镇痛作用无影响(P>0.05)。鞘内注射D-Ser0.05ng可拮抗异氟烷对福尔马林小鼠脊髓Fos蛋白表达的抑制作用(P<0.01)。结论异氟烷催眠作用与脑内NMDA受体甘氨酸位点关系不大;脊髓NMDA受体甘氨酸位点介导异氟烷对热、化学刺激的镇痛作用,而与异氟烷对慢性炎性疼痛的镇痛作用无明显关系。     

Effects of forskolin and phosphodiesterase inhibitors on spinal antinociception by morphine.

The effect of intrathecal pretreatment with forskolin and the phosphodiesterase inhibitors Ro 20-1724, rolipram and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) on the antinociceptive action of morphine administered intrathecally was examined using the rat tail-flick test to determine whether inhibition of adenylate cyclase contributed to spinal antinociception. Intrathecal pretreatment with forskolin (10 micrograms), Ro 20-1724 (15 micrograms) and IBMX (10 micrograms) inhibited the action of morphine in the tail-flick test. However, pretreatment with Ro 20-1724 (30 micrograms), rolipram (10 and 30 micrograms) and IBMX (30 micrograms) increased the action of morphine. These agents were devoid of intrinsic antinociceptive activity. Inhibition of spinal antinociception by morphine with agents which increase cyclic AMP levels in biochemical experiments is consistent with the hypothesis that some opiate actions are due to inhibition of adenylate cyclase. However, in view of the consistent increase in the effect of morphine with phosphodiesterase inhibitors at higher doses, this hypothesis may be insufficient to account for opiate interactions with the adenylate cyclase system in the spinal cord. Some effects on spinal antinociception also may be due to additional pharmacological actions of the agents used.     

Atropine reverses the antinociception of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the tail-flick test of mice

The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) clonixin, diclofenac, piroxicam, ketoprofen, meloxicam, and paracetamol induced antinociception after intraperitoneal or intrathecal administration in mice submitted to an acute thermal algesiometric test without inflammation (tail-flick). Antinociception was evaluated by the increase in reaction time difference (Delta latency), between readings obtained before and after the administration of drugs. The antinociception induced by doses of NSAIDs producing between 20% and 30% of the maximum possible effect (MPE) 30 min after intraperitoneal and 15 min after intrathecal injections was compared with the antinociception obtained after pretreatment with 1 mg/kg atropine ip, 30 min before. Systemic atropine (1 mg/kg) significantly antagonized NSAID-induced antinociception in all cases, both after intraperitoneal and intrathecal administration. Cholinergic depletion by intracerebroventricular hemicholinium-3 (HC-3, 5 microg) 5 h before prevented the antinociceptive effect of all NSAIDs. These observations suggest that intrinsic muscarinic cholinergic facilitatory pathways represent an important modulating system in pain perception in this animal model of acute thermal pain. The results of the present work support the increasingly accepted notion that NSAIDs are effective analgesics even when inflammation is not present, acting by mechanisms that involve actions on spinal and supraspinal nociceptive transmission. It is suggested that, similar to morphine and clonidine, the active mechanism of NSAIDs may involve the release of acetylcholine (ACh) in the spinal cord.     

Involvement of brain serotonergic terminals in the antinociceptive action of peripherally applied calcitonin

We investigated the antinociceptive effect of systemic injection of calcitonin and its mechanisms of action in rats. Subcutaneous injection of [Asu(1,7)]eel calcitonin (ECT, 4 U x kg(-1) x day(-1)) daily for 7 days suppressed nociceptive hypersensitivity induced by formalin (and by carrageenan); the effect was gradually increased by the repeated injections and significant effects were observed after administration for more than 4 days. The antinociceptive action of ECT (4 U x kg(-1) x day(-1) for 7 days) was inhibited by intracerebroventricular injection of the serotonergic neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine and serotonin-receptor antagonists methiothepin, cyproheptadine and ketanserin; methysergide showed an inhibitory tendency. Intrathecal injections of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine, methiothepin, cyproheptadine and ketanserin were without effects on the ECT action. The results suggest the involvement of serotonin in the brain, but not in the spinal cord, in the ECT antinociception. Intracerebroventricular or intrathecal injection of the catecholaminergic neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine and intracerebroventricular injection of the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist phentolamine were also without effects on the ECT action. A subcutaneous infusion of the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone inhibited the antinociceptive action of morphine, but not that of ECT. Thus, adrenergic and opioidergic systems may not play important roles in the ECT antinociception. The present results suggest that repeated systemic injection of ECT produces analgesia and that the brain serotonergic terminals are involved in this action.     

Analysis of the mechanism underlying the peripheral antinociceptive action of sildenafil in the formalin test

The mechanism of the antinociceptive action of the phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, sildenafil, was assessed in the formalin test. Local peripheral ipsilateral, but not contralateral, administration of sildenafil (50-200 microg/paw) produced a dose-related antinociception during both phases of the formalin test. The local peripheral pretreatment with protein kinase G inhibitor peptide (PKG inhibitor, 0.01-1 microg/paw), charybdotoxin (large- and intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel blocker, 0.01-1 microg/paw), apamin (small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel blocker, 0.1-2 microg/paw), tolbutamide (ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker, 12.5-50 microg/paw), and tetraethylammonium (non-selective voltage-dependent K+ channel blocker, 12.5-50 microg/paw), but not 1H-(1,2,4)-oxadiazolo(4,2-a)quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, inhibitor of guanylyl cyclase, 12.5-50 microg/paw) or saline, significantly diminished in a dose-dependent manner sildenafil-induced local peripheral antinociception. Given alone, local peripheral administration of inhibitors did not modify formalin-induced nociceptive behavior. Results suggest that sildenafil produces its local peripheral antinociceptive effect via activation of the cyclic GMP-PKG-K+ channel pathway.