Inhibiting astrocytic activation: a novel analgesic mechanism of ketamine at the spinal level?

摘要: Although ketamine is widely used as an analgesic agent and has anti-allodynic effect on neuropathic pain, the underlying mechanisms are not fully explained by modern ‘neuronal-based’ theories. As emerging studies have focused critical role of spinal astrocytes in pathological pain states, we hypothesized that there exist some ‘astrocytes-related’ function ketamine. In present study, using nerve ligation (SNL) model, investigated anti-nociceptive effects intraperitoneal or intrathecal SNL-induced response, meanwhile, astrocytic activation after administration SNL rats. Behavioral data showed either inhibited allodynia, however, immunohistochemistry induced was suppressed but Using quantitative Western blot analysis, our report down-regulated glial fibrillary acidic protein expression, suggesting inhibition activation, which wasn’t influenced administration. We conclude could alleviate via classical mechanisms, addition, were also important