In this study, we investigated the anti-allodynia effect of safranal, the main volatile constitute of saffron, in spinal nerve transection model of rats. Meanwhile, to elucidate the mechanism, we determined the dynamic expression changes of glial activation markers (GFAP and OX-42) and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) in ipsilateral dorsal horn of lumbar enlargement post surgery. Results showed significant increase of these markers along with development of mechanical allodynia. Safranal (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) attenuated the pain sensitivity and inhibited the expression of these markers. The results demonstrate that the antiallodynia effect of safranal after nerve injury might be attributed to its inhibiting effect on glial activation and inflammatory cytokine production in central nervous system.
Keywords: Safranal; anti-allodynia; glial activation; pro-inflammatory cytokines; spinal nerve transection.