Acetylsalicylic acid inhibits alpha,beta-meATP-induced facilitation of neck muscle nociception in mice - Implications for acute treatment of tension-type headache

作者：Ristic Dejan; Spangenberg Peter; Ellrich Jens^*

来源：European Journal of Pharmacology, 2011, 673(1-3): 13-19.

DOI：10.1016/j.ejphar.2011.10.008

• Brainstem
• Cyclooxygenase
• Jaw-opening reflex
• Aspirin (R)
• Pain
• Tension-type headache

Infusion of alpha,beta-methylene ATP (alpha,beta-meATP) into murine neck muscle facilitates brainstem nociception. This animal experimental model is suggested to be appropriate for investigating pathophysiological mechanisms in tension-type headache. It was hypothesized that D-lysine acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, aspirin (R)) reverses this alpha,beta-meATP effect. Facilitation of neck muscle nociceptive processing was induced via bilateral infusion of alpha,beta-meATP into semispinal neck muscles (100 nM, 20 mu l each) in 42 anesthetized mice. Brainstem nociception was monitored by the jaw-opening reflex elicited via electrical tongue stimulation. The hypothesis was addressed by subsequent (15, 30, 60 mg/kg) and preceding (60 mg/kg) intraperitoneal ASA injection. Saline served as control to ASA solution. Subsequent ASA dose-dependently reversed alpha,beta-meATP-induced reflex facilitation and was the most prominent with 60 mg/kg. Preceding 60 mg/kg ASA prevented reflex facilitation. Cyclooxygenases are involved in nociceptive transmission. Former experiments showed that unspecific inhibition of cyclooxygenases does not alter the alpha,beta-meATP effect. This suggests a specific mode of action of ASA. The concept is accepted that neck muscle nociception is involved in the pathophysiology of tension-type headache. Thus, objective proof of ASA effects in this experimental model may emphasize its major role in pharmacological treatment of tension-type headache attacks.

• 出版日期2011-12-30