The Effect of the AMPA/Kainate Receptor Antagonist LY293558 in a Rat Model of Postoperative Pain

Non–N-methyl-D-aspartate (non-NMDA) glutamate receptor antagonists modify multiple pain transmission pathways and are of particular interest in analgesic development because of their capacity to interfere with evoked pain. Evoked pain is a problem for postoperative patients and is characteristic of the plantar incision model for postoperative pain. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a non-NMDA receptor antagonist LY293558 on mechanical hyperalgesia after plantar incision in the rat. Parenteral, intrathecal, or intraplantar administration of LY293558 was tested against the mechanical hyperalgesia that characterizes the model. Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to 1 of 3 groups. LY293558 or vehicle was administered intraperitoneally, intrathecally, or intraplantarly. The hind paw withdrawal threshold to punctate stimulation by using von Frey filaments and response frequency to a nonpunctate stimulus directly to the wound were measured. Motor tests after administration of LY293558 were also examined in rats that did not undergo incision. The greatest dose of parenterally administered LY293558 (34 μmol/kg) decreased the responses to mechanical stimuli after plantar incision. Rotorod performance was decreased at these same times. Intrathecal injection of LY293558 (0.5 and 2.0 nmol) produced inhibition of mechanical sensitivity and produced lower extremity motor side effects. Repeated intrathecal administration produced sustained anesthesia for 24 hours but had no analgesic effect the next day. Local administration did not decrease response after incision. LY293558 was most effective for evoked pain when administered intrathecally.PerspectiveControl of evoked pain after surgery is inadequate but is linked to perioperative outcome. These data suggest that non-NMDA receptor antagonists like LY293558 will be most effective for evoked pain in postoperative patients if administered spinally.