The antinociceptive effect of S-(+)-ibuprofen in rabbits: epidural versus intravenous administration

This study was designed to determine whether systemic absorption plays any role in the antinociceptive effect of epidural (EP) sodium S(+)-ibuprofen (IB). One week after surgical implantation of EP catheters, six rabbits were given EP injections with either normal saline (NS) 0.4 mL or IB 10 mg in 0.4 mL NS (Group 1) on separate days. Each animal was injected with IB 10 mg intravenously (i.v.) on another day. Six control rabbits (Group 2) had neither surgery nor any injection. Analgesic testing was performed using electric stimulation through two electrocardiogram (ECG) skin electrodes with built-in adhesive, attached to shaved hip areas using 50 V, 1 Hz, 3 ms, before and 0.5,1,2 and 3 h after injection in Group 1, and in similar times in controls. The 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the mean difference between baseline and maximal nociceptive response latency of all groups were compared using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) adjusted for baseline measurements. This comparison covered all possible pairs among all groups. Significant antinociceptive effects were seen after EP IB but not after control or i.v. IB. Neither motor dysfunction nor evidence of systemic toxicity or neurotoxicity was observed in any animal.