Analgesic effects of morphine and loperamide in the rat formalin test: interactions with NMDA receptor antagonists

To reveal peripheral components of opiate analgesia, effects of loperamide, opioid agonist which does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier, were examined in formalin and acute thermal pain tests in comparison with morphine. Formalin administration induces pain behaviour such licking/biting of injected paw expressed as two phases. The first phase is caused by C-fibre activation due to peripheral stimulation, the second phase attributed to ongoing input from peripheral site, leading to spinal hyperexcitability, which is dependent on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation. Loperamide (3-10 mg/kg) and morphine (6 mg/kg) reduced formalin-induced nociceptive behaviours and these effects were reversed by naloxone methiodide (0.03-10 mg/kg), opioid receptor antagonist which poorly penetrates the blood-brain barrier. Loperamide action was enhanced only by centrally active NMDA receptor antagonists memantine (3 mg/kg) and CGP 37849 (3 mg/kg), but not by NMDA/glycineB receptor antagonists showing weak or no central nervous system (CNS) activity. Present results suggest that central NMDA receptor blockade may be necessary to enhance analgesia induced through peripheral opioid mechanisms in formalin-evoked nociception.     

Interaction between dopamine and glutamate receptors following treatment with NMDA receptor antagonists

Interactions between dopamine and glutamate neurotransmission have been reported to play an important role in a number of different systems. We were interested in examining the effects of sub-chronic treatment with NMDA receptor antagonists (dizocilpine [MK-801], and 3-carboxy-piperazin-propyl phosphonic acid [CPP]) on dopamine D(1)-like, dopamine D(2)-like, as well as glutamate receptors of the NMDA and AMPA receptor subtypes in the neostriatum and substantia nigra of rats that had received a massive dopamine denervation at 3 days of age. Using quantitative ligand binding autoradiography, we demonstrated that the two NMDA receptor antagonists did not have different profiles of action. Furthermore, while we found a significant negative relationship between NMDA receptors and dopamine receptors (both dopamine D(1)-like and D(2)-like receptor subtypes) in the neostriatum, AMPA receptors were positively correlated with dopamine D(1)-like binding sites in all regions investigated. These findings suggest that the interrelationship between dopamine and glutamate receptors is highly controlled and that the nigrostriatal dopamine systems play an important role in this interaction.     

Cross-tolerance between antinociception induced by swim-stress and morphine in formalin test

The present study investigated cross-tolerance between antinociception induced by water swim-stress and morphine in the formalin test. Intraperitoneal administration of morphine (3, 6 and 9 mg/kg) induced dose-dependent antinociception in both phases of the formalin test. Mice treated with a lower dose of morphine (25 mg/kg), once daily for 3 days, showed tolerance to antinociception induced by a lower test dose of morphine (3 mg/kg). Similar repeated treatments with a higher dose of morphine (50 mg/kg) produced tolerance to antinociception induced by different test doses of morphine (3, 6 and 9 mg/kg). Exposure to water swim-stress, once daily for 2 or 3 days in order to induce tolerance, also decreased morphine-induced antinociception. Swim-stress exposure for 2 or 3 days also tends to potentiate tolerance induced by a lower dose of morphine. Acute swim-stress of different durations (0.5, 1 and 3 min) induced antinociception in both phases of the formalin test, which was not reduced by naloxone, but showed even more antinociception in the second phase. The response to swim stress was decreased in mice treated with higher doses of morphine, but not those animals that received swimming stress (3 min) once daily for 2-3 days, in order to induce habituation to swim-stress-induced antinociception. The results may indicate a possible cross-tolerance between antinociception induced by morphine and by swim stress.     

Melanocortin receptor agonists and antagonists modulate nociceptive sensitivity in the mouse formalin test

A number of studies suggest the involvement of melanocortins in nociception, and although the mechanism through which this occurs is still unknown, experimental evidence would suggest an involvement of melanocortin MC(4) receptors. We investigated the effect of melanocortin receptor agonist and antagonists on nociceptive behaviour induced by formalin in the mouse. The intrathecal injection of the melanocortin receptor agonist MTII ([Ac-Nle(4),Asp(5),D-Phe(7),Lys(10)]cyclo-alpha-MSH-(4-10) amide) (5 nmol; P<0.05) significantly increased nociception in both phases of the formalin test, whereas the synthetic melanocortin receptor antagonists, SHU9119 ([Ac-Nle(4),Asp(5),D-2-Nal(7),Lys(10)]cyclo-alpha-MSH-(4-10) amide) (5 nmol), HS014 ([Ac-Cys(11),D-2-Nal(14),Cys(18)]beta-MSH-(11-22)amide) (5 nmol), and JKC-363 (cyclic [Mpr(11),D-Nal(14),Cys(18),Asp(22)-NH(2)]beta-MSH-11-22)) (5 nmol), and the endogenous receptor antagonist Agouti-related protein (AgRP) (1.5 nmol) were effective in reducing nociception in the late phase of the formalin test (50-60% of reduction in licking/flinching response; P<0.05). The present findings further support the involvement of the melanocortin system in the control of nociception. Moreover, considering that melanocortin MC(4) receptors are the only melanocortin subtype receptors present in the spinal cord, we can assume that the activity of the peptides in the formalin model is mediated through melanocortin MC(4) receptors.     

Possible antinociceptive mechanisms of opioid receptor antagonists in the mouse formalin test

It has been reported that opioid receptor antagonist can induce antinociception in several nociceptive tests. In the intraplantar formalin pain model, however, opioid antagonist-induced antinociception, as well as its underlying mechanism, has not been well characterized. Therefore, in the mouse formalin test, we attempted to characterize the site of action and the possible opioid receptor subtypes. We found that naltrexone (a nonselective opioid antagonist) injected intraperitoneally (i.p., 1-20 mg/kg), intrathecally (i.t., 0.1-10 microg) and intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v., 0.1-10 microg) phase. Administration of beta-funaltrexamine (beta-FNA, 10-40 mg/kg i.p., 1.25-5 microg it or i.c.v.), naltrindole (1-10 mg/kg i.p., 1.25-5 microg it or i.c.v.) and nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI, 1-10 mg/kg i.p., 10-40 microg it or i.c.v.), which are selective mu-, delta- and kappa-opioid antagonists, respectively, also produced antinociception during the second phase. Additionally, we examined the involvement of the descending monoaminergic systems in the naltrexone-induced antinociception in the formalin test. Pretreatment with 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT, a serotonergic neurotoxin, 20 microg i.t.), but not N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP-4, a noradrenergic neurotoxin, 20 microg i.t.), reversed the naltrexone-induced antinociception during the second phase. Our results suggest that blockade of supraspinally or spinally located opioid receptors may play roles in the regulation of antinociception during the tonic painful stage. In addition, opioid receptors localized at the neuroterminal of the descending serotonergic, but not noradrenergic, inhibitory system in the spinal cord appear to be involved in opioid antagonist-induced antinociception during the second tonic phase of the formalin test.     

Attenuation of morphine withdrawal symptoms by subtype-selective metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists

1. We have previously shown that chronic antagonism of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), in the brain, attenuates the precipitated morphine withdrawal syndrome in rats. In the present investigation we assessed the effects of chronic antagonism of group II and III mGluRs on the severity of withdrawal symptoms in rats treated chronically with subcutaneous (s.c.) morphine.
2. Concurrently with s.c. morphine we infused intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) one of a series of phenylglycine derivatives selective for specific mGluR subtypes. Group II mGluRs (mGluR_2,3), which are negatively coupled to adenosine 3′: 5′-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) production, were selectively antagonized with 2s, 1′s, 2′s-2-methyl-2-(2′-carboxycyclopropyl) glycine (MCCG). Group III mGluRs (mGluR_{4,6,7 and 8}), which are also negatively linked to cyclic AMP production, were selectively antagonized with α-methyl-L-amino-4-phosphonobutanoate (MAP4). The effects of MCCG and MAP4 were compared with α-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG), which non-selectively antagonizes group II mGluRs, as well as group I mGluRs (mGluR_1,5) which are positively coupled to phosphatidylinositol (PI) hydrolysis.
3. Chronic i.c.v. administration of both MCCG and MAP4 significantly decreased the time spent in withdrawal, MCPG and MCCG reduced the frequency of jumps and wet dog shakes and attenuated the severity of agitation.
4. Acute i.c.v. injection of mGluR antagonists just before the precipitation of withdrawal failed to decrease the severity of abstinence symptoms. Rather, acute i.c.v. injection of MCCG significantly increased the time spent in withdrawal.
5. Our results suggest that the development of opioid dependence is affected by mGluR-mediated PI hydrolysis and mGluR-regulated cyclic AMP production.

     

HU-210 shows higher efficacy and potency than morphine after intrathecal administration in the mouse formalin test.

The discovery of endocannabinoids opens up new perspectives in experimental pain research. Here we present data for the excellent antinociceptive properties of the synthetic cannabinoid, R(-)-7-hydroxy-delta-6-tetra-hydrocannabinol-dimethylheptyl (HU-210), after intrathecal and oral administration in mice. It is known that cannabinoids depress motor activity. Therefore, these compounds are suspected of influencing antinociceptive tests. Our behavioural tests (RotaRod, tail flick) clearly show that HU-210 affects nociceptive behaviour even at dosages which do not yet influence motor activity. Moreover, spinal microdialysis (5 microl/min) in the dorsal horn of freely moving mice showed an enhancement of prostaglandin production during the formalin test. HU-210 applied via artificial cerebral spinal fluid during microdialysis perfusion increases prostaglandin concentrations under both baseline and formalin test conditions. Indomethacin reduces the HU-210 effect on pronociceptive prostaglandin production but does not reinforce the antinociceptive properties of HU-210. Thus, HU-210 shows antinociceptive properties that are independent of its influence on the prostaglandin pathway.     

Analgesic effects of mGlu1 and mGlu5 receptor antagonists in the rat formalin test

mGlu1 and mGlu5 receptors have been implicated in pain associated with inflammation. In the present study, the formalin test was used to measure sustained pain with components of tissue injury. The aims of the present study were to assess: (i) the role of mGlu1 and mGlu5 receptors in inflammatory pain using selective antagonist EMQMCM, 1.25-5 mg/kg, as the mGlu1 receptor antagonist, and MPEP or MTEP, 2.5-10 mg/kg, as mGlu5 receptor antagonist; (ii) the possible interaction between mGlu1 and mGlu5 receptor antagonists and morphine; and (iii) whether tolerance develops to the analgesic effects of these antagonists after prolonged treatment. EMQMCM, MTEP and MPEP significantly reduced the manifestation of both phases of formalin response. However, all these mGlu receptor antagonists did not affect the withdrawal latencies in a model of acute pain (Hargreaves test), which has a different underlying mechanism. In the present study, the suppressive effect on formalin-induced pain behaviour was much stronger when mGlu1 and mGlu5 receptor antagonists were co-injected compared to administration of a single antagonist, but this effect was not seen when mGlu receptor antagonist was co-administered with morphine. This is in contrast to the pronounced inhibitory effects after co-treatment with morphine and the uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist memantine. The present study also provides the first direct in vivo evidence that prolonged administration of MTEP (5 mg/kg) over 7 days leads to the development of tolerance to its antinociceptive effects. Such tolerance was not observed when EMQMCM (5 mg/kg) was administered in the same manner. In conclusion, these results provide additional arguments for the role of group I mGlu receptors in pain with inflammatory conditions.     

Effects of intraplantar morphine in the mouse formalin test

We studied the effects of intraplantar morphine in the formalin test in mice. Intraplantarly administered morphine (30 - 300 microg) induced analgesic effects at lower doses than intraperitoneally administered morphine. Following the administration of [3H]morphine, the % of radioactivity present in brain was the same by either route. In contrast, higher radioactivity values appeared in the injected paw in those mice intraplantarly injected. Since local morphine induces analgesia at doses lower than the intraperitoneally administered drug, especially in the second phase of the test, and the access to brain is undistinguishable, we propose that local morphine enhances central opiate analgesia in the formalin test in mice.     

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.     

Interaction between dihydropyridine calcium antagonists and morphine on the brain biogenic amines

1. Nifedipine, nimodipine or nisoldipine, were i.p. administered to normal, morphine treated or morphine abstinent rats in order to study their effects on brain biogenic amines and metabolites.2. On various brain areas, the compounds studied decreased DOPAC and/or HVA levels, but increased 5-HIAA levels, leaving unchanged DA and 5-HT contents.3. This suggested that DA turnover was decreased, whereas 5-HT turnover was increased, by inhibition of neuronal calcium influx.4. Calcium antagonists: (a) further enhanced the effect of morphine on 5-HT turnover, which may involve an indirect inhibition of voltage sensitive calcium channels; (b) antagonized the effects of morphine on DA turnover, which are believed to be mediated by disinhibition of dopaminergic pathways.5. The dihydropyridine calcium antagonists showed some differences in regional specificity and in profile of effects.     

The antinociceptive effect of intrathecal escin in the rat formalin test

This study investigated the antinociceptive effect of intrathecal escin and examined its effect on the formalin-induced activation of c-Fos and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK) in the rat spinal cord. Rats were chronically implanted with lumbar intrathecal catheters, and the ability of intrathecal escin to alter nociceptive behaviours in the rat formalin test was examined. The expression of c-Fos and p-p38 MAPK in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord was detected in the control and escin (40μg) groups using immunohistochemical techniques. Intrathecal escin produced a dose-dependent reduction in formalin-evoked flinching behaviour in rats during the second phase; however, no effect was observed in the first phase. In addition, immunohistochemical experiments showed that the expression of c-Fos and p-p38 MAPK in the spinal cord dorsal horn increased after an injection of formalin into the paw. Interestingly, the 40μg dose of intrathecal escin, which was the larger of the two doses that blocked formalin-induced hyperalgaesia, attenuated the formalin-induced increases in c-Fos and p-p38 MAPK in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The decrease in pain-related behaviours and c-Fos expression indicated that escin produced antinociceptive effects in the rat formalin test. Although the specific mechanisms of these effects were not investigated, the reduction in p-p38 MAPK in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord may be involved.     

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.     

吗啡与丁丙诺啡的蛛网膜下腔与皮下联合给药的相互作用(英文)

目的:观察大鼠吗啡与丁丙诺啡(或吗啡)的蛛网膜下腔与皮下联合给药的相互作用。方法:SD大鼠,置入蛛网膜下腔导管。辐射热诱发鼠腿撤退试验测痛阈。分别蛛网膜下腔给予吗啡、皮下注射丁丙诺啡(或吗啡)、蛛网膜下腔给予吗啡与皮下注射丁丙诺啡(或吗啡)的联合给药。结果:单独和联合给药均剂量依赖性地提高鼠痛阈。联合给药的量效曲线的斜率均显著大于吗啡单独给药的曲线斜率。等效线图显示联合给药的ED_(50)均位于理论推测的叠加效应线的左侧。结论:吗啡与丁丙诺啡(或吗啡)的蛛网膜下腔与皮下联合给药呈协同效应。     

Synergism between dexketoprofen and meloxicam in an orofacial formalin test was not modified by opioid antagonists

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most widely used drugs for the management of acute and chronic pain. The role of the opioid system in the synergism between NSAIDs is not well characterized. Mice were injected with a 5% formalin solution (20 μl) into the upper right lip to perform an orofacial formalin test. The isobolographic method was used to determine the interaction between dexketoprofen, which is the (S)-(+) enantiomer of ketoprofen, and meloxicam co-administration. Additionally, the non-selective, opioid antagonist naltrexone, the selective δ opioid receptor (DOP) antagonist naltrindole and the selective κ opioid receptor (KOP) antagonist norbinaltorphimine were used to assess the opioid effects on this interaction. Intraperitoneal administration of dexketoprofen or meloxicam induced dose-dependent antinociception with different phase I and phase II potencies in the orofacial formalin test. Meloxicam displayed similar potencies (ED(50)) in phase I (7.20 mg/kg) and phase II (8.60 mg/kg). Dexketoprofen was more potent in phase I (19.96 mg/kg) than in phase II (50.90 mg/kg). The interactions between dexketoprofen and meloxicam were synergistic in both phases. This was determined based on the fixed ratios (1:1) of their ED(50) values, which were determined by isobolographic analysis. Furthermore, this antinociceptive activity does not seem to be modulated by opioid receptor blockers because they did not induce changes in the nature of this interaction. This finding may be relevant with regards to NSAID multi-modal analgesia where an opioid antagonist must be used.     

Synergistic antinociception of intrathecal sildenafil with clonidine in the rat formalin test

Spinal sildenafil (phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor) and clonidine (alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist) have shown antinociception. The author examined the properties of drug interaction after concurrent administration of intrathecal sildenafil-clonidine, and further clarified the reciprocity of sildenafil and clonidine. Catheters were inserted into the intrathecal space of male Sprague-Dawley rats. The formalin test was used as a nociceptive test, which was induced by subcutaneous injection of 50 µl of 5% formalin solution into the hindpaw. The pharmacological interaction was characterized using an isobolographic analysis. Intrathecal sildenafil and clonidine dose-dependently suppressed the flinching response observed during phase 1 and phase 2 in the formalin test. Isobolographic analysis revealed a synergistic interaction after intrathecal delivery of sildenafil-clonidine in both phases. Intrathecal yohimbine antagonized the antinociceptive action of intrathecal sildenafil during both phases in the formalin test. However, intrathecal ODQ failed to antagonize the antinociceptive action of intrathecal clonidine. These results suggest that sildenafil and clonidine, and the mixture of the two are effective against acute pain and facilitated pain state at the spinal level. Furthermore, synergism was noted after delivery of sildenafil-clonidine mixture. The antinociception of sildenafil can be modulated by spinal alpha-2 adrenoceptor, while the effect of clonidine is independent on the guanyly cyclase.     

Noncompetitive antagonism of morphine analgesia by diazepam in the formalin test

The effects of diazepam on morphine analgesia dose effect curves in the formalin test and in two forms of the tail flick test were examined. In one form of the tail flick test the animals were restrained in wire restrainers (a stressful procedure) while in the other they were left free and briefly handheld for testing. Morphine analgesia in the restrained form of the test is known to depend on raphe magnus 5HT projections to the spinal cord while the other tests do not involve this system. Diazepam (0.2 and 1.0 mg/kg) noncompetitively antagonized morphine analgesia in the formalin test but had no effect on morphine analgesia in the tail flick test. It is concluded that diazepam does not antagonize morphine analgesia through its antianxiety action reducing the serotonergic response to stress. It is suggested that the sensitivity of the formalin test to diazepam antagonism of morphine analgesia may be of clinical significance since formalin test pain resembles postoperative pain in humans.     

Dopamine receptor subtypes and formalin test analgesia.

The role played by dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in formalin test analgesia was explored by challenging D-amphetamine- and morphine-induced analgesia with mixed and selective D1 and D2 antagonists, and by examining the relative analgesic activity of mixed and selective D1 and D2 agonists. The mixed D1/D2 dopamine antagonist cis-flupenthixol (0.5 mg/kg), the D2 antagonist pimozide (0.5 mg/kg), and the D1 antagonist SCH 23390 (0.1 mg/kg) attenuated both D-amphetamine and morphine analgesia. The mixed D1/D2 agonist apomorphine and the selective D2 agonist quinpirole produced dose-dependent analgesia while the selective D1 agonist SKF 38393 was without effect. These data suggest that D1 receptors play an "enabling" role in D2 receptor-mediated analgesia in the formalin test.     

Type I and II metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists and antagonists evoke cardiovascular effects after intrathecal administration in conscious rats.

1. In the present study, the role of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in central cardiovascular regulation in conscious rats was examined. To this end, agonists and antagonists for type I and II mGluRs were administered intrathecally, and the temporal changes in blood pressure and heart rate were recorded. 2. L-glutamate (1 micromol) and the prototypical mGluR agonist (1S,3R)-ACPD (0.1 and 0. 3 micromol) both increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), implicating functional mGluRs in the spinal cord. The type I mGluR agonist DHPG (0.01 - 0.1 micromol) evoked increases in MAP (max=25+/-5 mmHg) and HR (max=88+/-23 beats min-1). The duration of action, but not the maximum effects, were dose-related and ranged from approximately 10 min to <90 min and 1 min to >90 min for MAP and HR, respectively. 3. The type I/II mGluR agonist CCG-1 (0.1 and 0. 3 micromol) caused smaller, variable increases in MAP and HR of intermediate duration (5 - 20 min), whereas the type II MGluR agonist APDC (0.1 and 1.0 micromol) caused marked, but transient (3 - 5 min), pressor and tachycardic responses. The highest doses of DHPG and CCG-1, but not APDC, also evoked behavioural responses similar to a spontaneous nociceptive behavioural effect reported previously. 4. The type I and II mGluR antagonists (AIDA and LY307452, respectively) were also given approximately 5 min before the administration of the respective type I and II mGluR agonists (DHPG and APDC). Both compounds caused pressor and tachycardic responses, with the effect of AIDA, but not LY307452, returning to control levels before mGluR agonist administration. AIDA significantly attenuated the overall cardiovascular effects of DHPG, while LY307452 significantly attenuated the overall cardiovascular effects of APDC. 5. These results indicate that functional type I and II mGluRs exist in the spinal cord, and that their activation evokes prolonged cardiovascular effects.