The non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate-antagonist memantine does not affect segmental mono- and polysynaptic reflexes in man.
Studies in rats have shown that the polysynaptic flexor reflex (FR) but not the monosynaptic reflexes are affected by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. Theoretically, the suppression of FR might be caused by an alteration of the spinal nociceptive neurons. To investigate, whether the non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist memantine interferes with nociception in man, we studied both its effect on pain perception and on FR. In a double-blind study 14 male subjects were randomly assigned to either placebo or memantine (30 mg p.o.) treatment. H-reflex (HR) and FR as well as pain and tolerance threshold were determined prior to and 6 h after drug intake. Contrary to expectations, there were no differential treatment effects either on FR threshold and magnitude or on pain and tolerance thresholds or the HR amplitude.
Schepelmann
K
K
Neurologische Klinik, Universität Tübingen, Germany. karsten.schepelmann@swol.de
Schugens
M M
MM
Löschmann
P A
PA
Klockgether
T
T
Dichgans
J
J
D000328:Adult; D001667:Binding, Competitive; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008559:Memantine / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016202:N-Methylaspartate / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D012018:Reflex / Q000187:drug effects*; D012023:Reflex, Monosynaptic / Q000187:drug effects*
D016202:N-Methylaspartate; D008559:Memantine