Author: Chapman-V. Haley-J-E. Dickenson-A-H.

Title: Electrophysiologic analysis of preemptive effects of spinal opioids on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated events.

Source: Anesthesiology. 1994 Dec. 81(6). P 1429-35.

Journal Title: ANESTHESIOLOGY.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Spinal N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor- mediated mechanisms may contribute to reduced opioid sensitivity in conditions of pain. The effectiveness of spinal opioids in inhibiting NMDA-mediated nociceptive events was assessed with two models. In addition, opioid dose-response curves with preemptive administration were compared with early and late postadministrations. METHODS: Dorsal horn nociceptive neuronal responses were recorded in the intact halothane anesthetized rat to acute repetitive C-fiber electrical stimulation (0.1 and 0.5 Hz) and to the peripheral injection of 5% formalin. At 0.5 Hz but not at 0.1 Hz, there was an enhanced C-fiber evoked response of dorsal horn neurons elicited by repetitive C-fiber stimulation (wind-up), which is mediated by the NMDA receptor. Formalin produced a biphasic response; the late protracted inflammatory phase was NMDA receptor-mediated. RESULTS: With 0.5-Hz stimulation a large degree of wind-up was elicited; it was less sensitive to 5 micrograms morphine compared with the effect of the same dose on the residual wind- up elicited at 0.1 Hz. Preadministration and early postadministration of morphine were equieffective at inhibiting the second-phase formalin response. In contrast, administration of the fast-acting mu opioid, D-Ala-Gly-MePHe-Gly-ol, given late postadministration (during the second phase) was less effective than preadministration. Increasing the dose of D-Ala- Gly-MePHe-Gly-ol produced complete inhibitions.

CONCLUSIONS: NMDA receptor-mediated neuronal responses, such as wind-up and the established second phase of the formalin response, are poorly responsive to opioids. Dose increases and preemptive opioids effectively inhibit these NMDA receptor-mediated events.