Buprenorphine reduces central sensitization after repetitive C-fiber stimulation in rats.
The partial micro-opioid receptor agonist buprenorphine produces antinociception through mechanisms different from those of classical opioids. In this study, we compared the effect of buprenorphine and morphine on C-fiber conditioning stimulation (CS)-induced facilitation of the flexor reflex, a model of central sensitization in decerebrate, spinalized unanesthetized rats. Intraperitoneal morphine and buprenorphine moderately depressed the baseline flexor reflex to a similar extent at doses of 1-2 and 0.03-0.1 mg/kg, respectively. Buprenorphine significantly reduced C-fiber CS-induced reflex facilitation whereas morphine at 1 or 2 mg/kg had no effect. Thus, some of the atypical antinociceptive effects of buprenorphine may be derived from its effect on central sensitization.
Kouya
Poli Francois
PF
Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Clinical Neurophysiology, Huddinge University Hospital, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
Xu
Xiao-Jun
XJ
D000818:Animals; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004558:Electric Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006181:H-Reflex / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D036421:Nerve Fibers, Unmyelinated / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D002047:Buprenorphine