CNS alpha 1 receptor in tonic pain during estrous cycle in rats

Estrogen and progesterone are known to affect nociception. The plasma concentrations of these hormones vary during estrous cycle in rodents. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of evidence of alpha1 receptor agonist and antagonist on tonic pain in all phases of estrous cycle in female rats. Phenylephrine (alpha1 agonist) and prazosin (alpha1 antagonist) were administered via intracerebroventicular (ICV) injection. Adult female rats weighting 200-220 g were maintained on 12 h light/dark cycle for 10-14 days prior to the experiment. Food and water were made available ad libitum. Formalin test was performed in all phases of estrous cycle. Results showed that phenylephrine caused significant (P<0.05) reduction in pain sensitivity. This reduction was more pronounced during proestrus phase. Prazosin significantly (P<0.05) increased pain sensitivity, particularly during metestrus phase. It is possible that fluctuation in pain sensitivity during estrous cycle is related to the level of sex hormones during estrous cycle.