Investigating the Mechanisms of iROE Analgesia

The effects of iROE on mechanical hyperalgesia caused by plantar incision were further investigated to ascertain whether they were involved in α₁ and α₂ adrenergic, cholinergic (nicotinic and muscarinic), and opioid receptors. Forty-two rats were randomly allocated to seven groups (n = six rats per group), including one iROE group that served as a control and the other six groups that included rats that were given iROE and study drugs (yohimbine 2 mg/kg, dexmedetomidine 50 μg/kg, prazosin 1 mg/kg, atropine 5 mg/kg, mecamylamine 1 mg/kg, and naloxone 5 mg/kg). Two hours after the plantar incisions, normal saline or study drugs were administered intraperitoneally. After 10 min, 300 mg/kg iROE was administered intraperitoneally. Previous study suggested the application of drugs to investigate the possible involvement of the aforementioned receptor systems [9 (link),15 (link),16 (link),17 (link),18 (link)]. All study drugs were provided by Sigma-Aldrich.