Abstract
Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a novel anticonvulsant with an as yet unknown mechanism of action. This electrophysiological study investigated the potential antinociceptive actions of systemically administered gabapentin in normal animals and after inflammation induced by the injection of carrageenan. Gabapentin facilitated the noxious evoked responses of dorsal horn neurones recorded in normal animals. In complete contrast, gabapentin strongly and dose-dependently inhibited the C-fibre evoked response and post-discharge, but not the A beta-fibre evoked response, of neurones recorded in animals 3 h after the injection of carrageenan. This unique and selective profile of gabapentin may provide a novel treatment for clinical inflammatory pain states.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Acetates / pharmacology*
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Afferent Pathways / drug effects
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Afferent Pathways / physiology
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Afferent Pathways / physiopathology
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Amines*
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Analgesics / pharmacology*
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Animals
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Carrageenan
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Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids*
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Electric Stimulation
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Evoked Potentials / drug effects*
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Gabapentin
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Inflammation / chemically induced
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Inflammation / physiopathology*
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Male
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Nerve Fibers / drug effects
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Nerve Fibers / physiology*
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Rats
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Reference Values
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Spinal Cord / drug effects
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Spinal Cord / physiology*
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Spinal Cord / physiopathology
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gamma-Aminobutyric Acid*
Substances
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Acetates
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Amines
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Analgesics
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Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
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gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
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Gabapentin
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Carrageenan