Reversal by serotonergic agents of reserpine-induced hyperalgesia in rats.
Reserpine (4 mg/kg) induced a time-dependent reduction in pain threshold (hyperalgesia) as observed by the tail-flick technique in rats. Serotonin, its precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan or the receptor agonist, quipazine reversed the reserpine-induced hyperalgesia. On the other hand, piribedil, amantadine, imipramine or desipramine treatment failed to reverse the reserpine-induced hyperalgesia. Similarly, intracerebroventricular administration of dopamine or noradrenaline also had no effect on reserpine-induced hyperalgesia. These observations not only suggested a role of serotonin in hyperalgesia but also that reserpine hyperalgesia is suitable for selective study of serotonin-mediated responses in rats.
D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006930:Hyperalgesia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006941:Hyperesthesia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000187:drug effects*; D010891:Piribedil / Q000494:pharmacology; D011814:Quipazine / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012110:Reserpine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000502:physiology
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D012701:Serotonin; D011814:Quipazine; D012110:Reserpine; D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan; D010891:Piribedil