Endogenous enkephalin does not contribute to the cerebral anti-hyperalgesic action of gabapentin

Sci China Life Sci. 2010 Dec;53(12):1428-32. doi: 10.1007/s11427-010-4092-3. Epub 2010 Dec 23.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of endogenous enkephalin in the cerebral antihyperalgesic action of gabapentin. Neuropathic pain models and antihyperalgesic effect of gabapentin were confirmed by the presentation and changes of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia of operated mouse hind paws. The results suggested that endogenous enkephalin may not be involved in the antihyperalgesic effect of gabapentin.

MeSH terms

  • Amines / metabolism
  • Amines / pharmacology*
  • Amines / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Cerebral Cortex / drug effects*
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology
  • Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / metabolism
  • Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / pharmacology*
  • Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / therapeutic use*
  • Enkephalins / genetics
  • Enkephalins / metabolism*
  • Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / metabolism
  • Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / pharmacology*
  • Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Gabapentin
  • Hyperalgesia / drug therapy*
  • Hyperalgesia / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Pain Measurement
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / metabolism
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / pharmacology*
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Amines
  • Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
  • Enkephalins
  • Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Gabapentin