title: Antinociceptive action of sodium valproate in the mouse.
abstract: The antinociceptive action of sodium valproate (VPA) was examined using male NMRI mice. Using the hot-plate assay at 60 degrees C, orally-administered VPA (50-400 mg/kg) produced antinociceptive effects; the ED50 was about 160 mg/kg. Oral doses of VPA (6.3-400 mg/kg) decreased the writhing response elicited by intraperitoneally-injected acetic acid. The antinociceptive effect of VPA, as determined with the writhing test, exhibited complex characteristics, the most pronounced effect occurring at doses of 12.5-50 mg/kg. The antinociceptive effect of VPA in the writhing test was not antagonized by bicuculline or by naloxone. VPA, like other agents which enhance central GABA-ergic mechanisms, might possess analgesic activity.
mesh_terms: D000085:Acetates / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000700:Analgesics; D000818:Animals; D001640:Bicuculline / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009270:Naloxone / Q000494:pharmacology; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000085:Acetates; D000700:Analgesics; D009270:Naloxone; D014635:Valproic Acid; D001640:Bicuculline