The effects of an NMDA receptor antagonist in cutaneous, visceral pain and behavioral models

Liliana TARTAU
University of Medicine and Pharmacy Gr. T. Popa, Lasi, Romania

Aim: Experimental research on the effects of an NMDA receptor antagonist 3-((+)-2- carboxypiperazin-4-yl) -propyl-1-phosphonate (CPP potent and selective), in cutaneous, visceral pain and behavior models. Material and method: The experiments were carried out, with white mice (20-25g), divided into 3 groups of 7 animals each, treated intraperitoneally with the same volume of solution, as follows: Group I: saline solution 0,1ml (Control); Group II (MOR): morphine 0,2mg/kbw; Group III (CPP): CPP 0,7mg/kbw. Tail flick was used to asses CPP induced cutaneous antinociception. The model of visceral pain used consists of chemical stimulation of the colon with capsaicin. CPP psycho-motor abilities were tested in the Activity Cage device, in order to investigate the both global motor behaviour and the number of escape attempts. Data were statistically analyzed with SPSS for Windows version 10.0 and ANOVA method. Results and conclusions: Intraperitoneal administration of the NMDA receptor antagonist CPP (0,7mg/kbw) resulted in antinociceptive effects in tail flick test. In the colon hyperalgesia test, CPP exhibited antinociception which was less intense than that of morphine, whose analgesic effect is demonstrated in this experimental model. In our experiment CPP administration do not influence the global motor behavior in mice.