Role of L-arginine/nitric oxide pathway in the antinociceptive activities of morphine and mepyramine in mice

Abacioglu N., Ozmen R., Cakici I., Tunctan B., Kanzik I.

ARZNEIMITTELFORSCHUNG-DRUG RESEARCH, vol.51, no.12, pp.977-983, 2001 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 51 Issue: 12
  • Publication Date: 2001
  • Doi Number: 10.1055/s-0031-1300148
  • Journal Name: ARZNEIMITTELFORSCHUNG-DRUG RESEARCH
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.977-983
  • Gazi University Affiliated: No

Abstract

The p-benzoquinone (PBQ)-induced abdominal constriction test was used to assess the Involvement of L-arginine/nitric oxide (NO) pathway In the antinociceptive activity of the subcutaneously administered Hi-receptor antagonist, mepyramine (CAS 59-33-6), and an opioid receptor agonist, morphine (CAS 57-27.2), In mice. Mepyramine (ED5D: 5.6 mg/kg) and morphine (ED50: 0.13 mg/kg) produced antinociceptive effects. The NO precursor L-arginine (CAS 1119-34-2) (50 mg/kg) also produced antinociception similar to mepyramine, but significantly less than morphine. The NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-N-G-monomethylarginine (L-NMMA) (CAS 53308-83-1) (50 mg/ kg) did not significantly change p-benzoquinone-induced abdominal constrictions. L-arginine significantly increased the antinociceptive effects of morphine and mepyramine. The antinociceptive activity of morphine, but not that of mepyramine, was completely abolished when combined with L-NMMA. L-NMMA also significantly decreased the antinociception induced by morphine or mepyramine in combination with L-arginine. The present results suggest that morphine and mepyramine could produce peripheral antinociception by the Involvement of L-arginine/NO cascade or other related pathways of nociceptive processes induced by NO.