title: MK-801 blocks the development of thermal hyperalgesia in a rat model of experimental painful neuropathy.
abstract: Loose ligation of the sciatic nerve in the rat can produce behavioral signs of hyperalgesia in the hindpaw. This study examined the effect of an NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist (MK-801) on the development of hyperalgesia in this model. Rats received i.p. injections of saline or MK-801 (1.0 mg/kg) prior to and then for 7 days after a unilateral sciatic nerve ligation. Testing of each hindpaw for latency to withdrawal from a standardized thermal stimulus was performed prior to ligation and then at 10, 12, 17, 27, and 37 days postoperatively. Hyperalgesia of the operated hindpaw developed in saline-treated animals as measured by a decrease in withdrawal latency. Hyperalgesia did not develop in animals treated with MK-801. MK-801 may therefore prevent the development of hyperalgesia following experimental nerve injury, possibly through an NMDA receptor-mediated effect.
authors.affiliation: Pain Physiology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown 02129.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Davar
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hama
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Deykin
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Vos
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Maciewicz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016291:Dizocilpine Maleate / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006930:Hyperalgesia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D016291:Dizocilpine Maleate