Mechanical and thermal anti-nociception in rats after systemic administration of verapamil.
Voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels expressed in neurons may contribute to nociceptive information processing. However, the role of L-type Ca(2+) channels in pain transmission is not well understood. In this study, we examined the effects of systemically administered verapamil, an antihypertensive agent and L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker, on mechanical and thermal withdrawal thresholds in rats. Intraperitoneal injections of verapamil induced dose-dependent (3-18 mg/kg) mechanical and thermal anti-nociception in adult rats without altering their sensorimotor abilities. Our data suggest that L-type Ca(2+) channels contribute to acute nociceptive signaling and that anti-nociceptive effects may result from the blockade of these channels.
Todorovic
Slobodan M
SM
Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0710, USA. st9d@virginia.edu
Pathirathna
Sriyani
S
Meyenburg
Adam
A
Jevtovic-Todorovic
Vesna
V
D000700:Analgesics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D020746:Calcium Channels, L-Type / Q000502:physiology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000379:methods; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D014110:Touch; D014700:Verapamil / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000700:Analgesics; D020746:Calcium Channels, L-Type; D014700:Verapamil