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Analgesic effect of bisphosphonates in mice
A Bonabello1, M R Galmozzi, T Bruzzese
1Research Department, SPA - Societa' Prodotti Antibiotici S.p.A., Via Bella 8, Milan, Italy Department of Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Pain
|March 29, 2001
Summary
Bisphosphonates, including clodronate and pamidronate, demonstrate significant pain-reducing effects through both central and peripheral mechanisms. These findings suggest a potential role for bisphosphonates in managing acute pain beyond bone resorption.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Bisphosphonates are pyrophosphate analogues known to inhibit bone resorption.
- Previous reports suggest bisphosphonates can alleviate pain in various conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antinociceptive (pain-reducing) effects of four bisphosphonates: clodronate, alendronate, pamidronate, and etidronate.
- To compare their efficacy against morphine and acetylsalicylic acid in mouse models of pain.
Main Methods:
- Utilized tail-flick and writhing tests in mice to assess antinociception.
- Administered bisphosphonates via intravenous (i.v.) and intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections.
- Assessed gastrointestinal transit time to investigate peripheral opioid receptor involvement.
Main Results:
- Pamidronate and clodronate exhibited dose-dependent antinociception in both tail-flick and writhing tests after i.v. administration.
- Clodronate and pamidronate also showed central antinociceptive effects following ICV injection.
- No significant effect on gastrointestinal motility was observed, suggesting a non-opioid peripheral mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Clodronate and pamidronate possess both central and peripheral antinociceptive properties.
- Bisphosphonates may play a role in modulating antinociception in acute pain states unrelated to bone resorption.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise pharmacological mechanisms involved.
