[Antalgic activity of adrenal medulla transplantation into the lumbar subarachnoid space. Experimental study]

The possible antalgic effect of autografting the medulla adrenal into the subarachnoid lumbar space has been assessed in an experimental model in rats. There were three experimental groups: normal, sham operated, and transplanted. The electrical stimulation of the tail was used as a test for measuring the analgesic effect. The test was performed two days before the surgery and is was repeated 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days thereafter. Beta-endorphin levels in the spinal fluid were measured 30 days after surgery using radioimmunoassay techniques. Graft survival was assessed by pathologic examination. The results show that even though the grafts survived, there were only transient changes in pain threshold and the levels of beta-endorphin in the spinal fluid did not change significantly.