Phenyl N-t-butylnitrone, a reactive oxygen species scavenger, reduces zymosan-induced visceral pain in rats.
To examine a possible involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in visceral pain, the levels of ROS in the colon and the effect of a ROS scavenger phenyl N-t-butylnitrone (PBN) on pain were examined in zymosan-induced colitis rats. Zymosan was instilled into the colon of adult rats. The electromyograms (EMGs) of abdominal muscle contractions in response to colorectal distension (CRD) were recorded as an indicator of visceral pain. After zymosan treatment, the rats showed enhanced EMG and elevated levels of H2O2 in the colon. PBN treatment (intraperitoneal, intrathecal or intracolonic) significantly reduced the enhanced EMGs induced by zymosan. The results suggest that elevated ROS in the spinal cord and the colon are involved in visceral pain.
Wang
Jigong
J
Department of Neuroscience & Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-1069, USA.
Cochran
Victoria
V
Abdi
Salahadin
S
Chung
Jin Mo
JM
Chung
Kyungsoon
K
Kim
Hee Kee
HK
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D003497:Cyclic N-Oxides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004576:Electromyography; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010146:Pain / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D017288:Pain Threshold / Q000187:drug effects; D009195:Peroxidase / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013997:Time Factors; D015054:Zymosan
D003497:Cyclic N-Oxides; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; C029217:phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone; D015054:Zymosan; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D009195:Peroxidase