[The effect of hydrocortisone on a neurogenic pain syndrome in rats]

The effect of hydrocortisone on the neurogenic pain syndrome induced by damage to the peripheral nerves was studied in 40 male Wistar rats. Intraperitoneal administration of 10 mg/kg of the drug caused both hyperalgesia and hypoalgesia. The direction of the hydrocortisone effect on the neurogenic pain syndrome depended on the time of administration: chronic administration before the damage to the nerves promoted the development and intensity of the syndrome; treatment applied after the nerve damage delayed the development of the syndrome. It is suggested that the mechanism of the hydrocortisone effect on the neurogenic pain syndrome may be realized via the central link through the effect of the hormone on the glucocorticoid receptors of the brain structures.