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Antinociceptive Effects of H3 (R-methylhistamine) and GABA B (baclofen)-Receptor Ligands in an Orofacial Model of Pain in Rats

  • Przemysław Nowak
  • , Magdalena Kowalińska-Kania
  • , Damian Nowak
  • , Richard M. Kostrzewa
  • , Jolanta Malinowska-Borowska
  • Slaski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Katowicach
  • MandB Kania Dental Clinic

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The present study explored the antinociceptive effects of H3 (R-alpha-methylhistamine) and GABAB (baclofen) receptor ligands in an orofacial model of pain in rats. Orofacial pain was induced by subcutaneous injection of formalin (50 μl, 5 %) in the upper lip region, and the number of jumps and time spent face rubbing was recorded for 40 min. Formalin produced a marked biphasic pain response; first phase, 0-10 min (jumps), and second phase, 15-40 min, (rubbing). Baclofen (50 μg) injected into the rat wiskerpad 5 min before formalin administration suppressed both phases of pain whereas R-alpha-methylhistamine (12.5 μg) abolished the first phase only. Brains were taken immediately after behavioral testing was completed. HPLC/ED analysis showed that 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) turnover was increased in hippocampus, thalamus, and brain stem of all formalin groups, excepting the baclofen group in which the balance of 5-HT metabolism was restored to control values. These findings demonstrate that GABAB receptors represent peripheral targets for analgesia. Consequently, locally administered baclofen may be a useful approach in treating inflammatory trigeminal pain.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalNeurotoxicity Research
Volume24
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2013

Keywords

  • GABA receptor B
  • H receptor 3
  • formalin test
  • orofacial pain
  • rats

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