CCK 8 analgesia and hyperalgesia after intrathecal administration in the rat: comparison with CCK-related peptides

The C-terminal octapeptide of cholecystokinin (CCK 8) was administered intrathecally to rats. Doses in the nanogram range produced weak but significant antinociception in the paw pressure test five minutes after injection whereas microgram doses of CCK 8 produced hyperalgesia. The CCK 8-induced analgesia or hyperalgesia was not seen in the tail flick test and was not associated with motor incapacitation or any other noticeable side effects. The C-terminal tetrapeptide of CCK (CCK 4) and pentagastrin were found to be ineffective in all tests but caerulein and molluscan cardioexcitatory neuropeptide (FMRF-amide), like CCK 8, produced antinociception in the paw pressure test.