The antinociceptive effect of moclobemide on the vocalization threshold to paw pressure in a rat model of unilateral mononeuropathy

• Published in: Pharmacological research Vol. 44; no. 6; pp. 503 - 507
• Main Authors: Apaydin, Sebnem, Goldeli, Esin, Uyar, Meltem, Erhan, Elvan, Yegul, Ibrahim, Tuglular, Isik
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01-12-2001
• Subjects: Analgesics - pharmacology; Animals; Hindlimb; Male; Moclobemide - pharmacology; moclobemide, antinociceptive effect, sciatic nerve ligation, paw pressure, rat; Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors - pharmacology; Pain Threshold - drug effects; Physical Stimulation; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Sciatic Neuropathy - drug therapy; Sciatic Neuropathy - physiopathology; Vocalization, Animal - drug effects; moclobemide, antinociceptive effect, sciatic nerve ligation, paw pressure, rat
• ISSN: 1043-6618; 1096-1186
• DOI: 10.1006/phrs.2001.0895

The aim of our study was to investigate the antinociceptive activity of moclobemide on the vocalization threshold to paw pressure in a rat model of unilateral mononeuropathy. The neuropathy was produced by ligation of the sciatic nerve and nociceptive thresholds were determined 15–21 days after surgery by a modification of the Randall–Sellito method. Group 1 (n= 10) received 0.2 ml peroral (p.o.) saline, Group 2 (n= 10) 5 mg kg −1, Group 3 (n= 10) 10 mg kg −1and Group 4 (n= 10) 20 mg kg −1p.o. moclobemide. Nociceptive pressure thresholds were then measured every 20 minutes after drug administration. Analysis of variance, Tukey’s test and a paired Student’s t-test were employed for statistical analysis. The perorally administered moclobemide (5, 10 and 20 mg kg −1) produced an antinociceptive effect on both lesioned and non-lesioned hind paws ( P< 0.05). However, the analgesic effect on the lesioned paw was significantly more potent than the non-lesioned paw. The peak value ( p) remained constant while the maximal increment between the control threshold and the peak value ( Imax) was significantly more pronounced for the lesioned paw ( P< 0.001). The results of this study may suggest that moclobemide can be a therapeutic alternative to treat some clinical symptoms in peripheral neuropathic conditions.