Effects of L-NAME on the Mechanical Hyperalgesia after the Development of Inflammation by Freund's Complete Adjuvant in Rat Paw

Background: Effect of nitric oxide on the hyperalgesia induced by inflammation is controversial. From our previous experiment, NOS inhibitor, L-NAME given during the induction period decrease mechanical hyperalgesia occured by Freund's complete adjuvant induced inflammation. In addition, we attempted to analyze the effects of L-NAME on mechanical hyperalgesia after the development of inflammation by Freund's complete adjuvant in rat paw. Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups; control (normal saline), and three different doses of L-NAME (0.1 mg, 1 mg, 10 mg). Inflammation was induced in rats by injecting 0.15 ml of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) intraplantarly. Rats showed typical hyperalgesia within twelve hours after injection and maintained this for about one week. Tests were done 2 days after injection of FCA. After the baseline test either L-NAME or saline was injected under light halothane anesthesia. Effect of L-NAME on hyperalgesia was assessed by measuring mechanical hyperalgesia at 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 minutes. Same experients were repeated on normal rats. Results: When injected at the site of inflammation, L-NAME caused dose dependent decrease in mechanical hyperalgesia. However, normal rats also showed increased mechanical threshold after L- NAME injection. Conclusions: Although L-NAME reduces FCA induced mechanical hyperalgesia, this result may solely be due to inhibition of nitric oxide production and need to be further determined.ope