(−)-α-Bisabolol reduces nociception and trigeminal central sensitisation in acute orofacial neuropathic pain induced by infraorbital nerve injury

This study aimed to examine whether (−)-α-bisabolol (BISA), a natural terpene, can attenuate nociceptive behaviour and central sensitisation in a rodent model of trigeminal neuropathic pain.Materials and methodsInfraorbital nerve transection (IONX) or sham operation was performed in adult male rats. Head withdrawal thresholds as a measure of facial mechanical sensitivity were tested with von Frey monofilaments applied bilaterally to the facial vibrissal pad pre-operatively (baseline) and then post-operatively before and at 60, 120, 240 and 360 min after administration of vehicle control per oris (p.o.) or BISA (200 mg/kg p.o.) (n = 8/group). Effects of BISA or vehicle on the activity of nociceptive neurons recorded in the medullary dorsal horn (MDH) were tested on post - operative day 8–10. ANOVA followed by post-hoc Bonferroni tested for statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) across study groups and time points.Key findingsIONX animals (but not sham or naïve animals) showed post-operative facial mechanical hypersensitivity that was unaffected by vehicle. However, administration of BISA at post-operative day 7 significantly reversed the mechanical hypersensitivity in IONX rats; this effect lasted for at least 6 h. BISA also attenuated IONX-induced central sensitisation of MDH nociceptive neurons, as reflected in reversal of their reduced activation thresholds, increased responses to graded mechanical stimuli and enhanced spontaneous activity....
Source: Life Sciences - Category: Biology Source Type: research