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Biomedical subjects

A Eschalier

Publications and source records attributed to A Eschalier.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Evidence for a central but not a peripheral analgesic effect of clomipramine in rats.

The effect of clomipramine (CMI), a tricyclic antidepressant, was studied on an acute inflammatory pain model in an attempt to understand its potential antinociceptive activity, the involvement of a central and/or peripheral component and its influence on the inflammatory process. When administered (i.v.) before the inflammatory agent, carrageenan (CAR), CMI (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg) completely prevented the development of the hyperalgesia for 70-120 min according to the doses. This antinociceptive effect was suppressed by naloxone (100 micrograms/kg i.v.) for 65 min. Neither higher doses (1, 2 and 20 mg/kg, i.v.) nor CMI injected into the inflamed paw (15 min before CAR) modified pain thresholds. Moreover, CMI (0.5 and 2 mg/kg, i.v.) administered 15 min before CAR markedly increased the volume of the CAR-induced oedema. These results (1) demonstrate an opioid-dependent antinociceptive effect of CMI on this model, the doses used being lower than those active in thermal or electrical tests, and (2) tend to exclude a peripheral mechanism and an NSAID-like anti-inflammatory activity suggested by previous in vitro studies.

Analgesics↗

[Polymyalgia induced by topical minoxidil].

Topical minoxidil, used in the treatment of baldness, has been commercially available since 1987. Its systemic side effects are rare. We observed an as yet unreported "polymyalgia syndrome" in four otherwise healthy males whose sole medication was topically applied minoxidil. They experienced fatigue, weight loss and severe pain in the shoulders and pelvic girdle, suggesting connective tissue disease. Three patients had a transient rise in liver enzymes, while other laboratory analyses remained normal. Tritanomaly was detected in two patients who underwent systematic color vision testing. All symptoms disappeared after withdrawal of minoxidil. Rechallenge was positive once in one patient and twice in another. The mechanism of this side effect remains to be determined.

Administration, Topical↗

Evidence for peripheral serotonergic mechanisms in the early sensitization after carrageenin-induced inflammation: electrophysiological studies in the ventrobasal complex of the rat thalamus using a potent specific antagonist of peripheral 5-HT receptors.

The effect of ICS 205-930 (ICS), a specific 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, was analyzed on the sensitization of ventrobasal (VB) thalamic neuronal responses produced by an intraplantar injection of carrageenin. ICS was injected locally in the plantar paw, simultaneously, or after carrageenin (at 20 min or later than 70 min). The progressive increase of the VB neuronal responses to pinch (total number of spikes in the discharge) due to carrageenin sensitization, was prevented, blocked, or reversed, by intraplantar ICS, at a dose as low as 3.2 ng/kg, when injected, simultaneously or in the first half-hour following the carrageenin injection itself. The carrageenin sensitization then reappeared, 50-90 min after the initiation of the inflammation. By contrast to these early injections of ICS, a later administration of ICS (70 min or more, after the carrageenin injection), did not influence the sensitization. The time course of the effects of this 5-HT3 antagonist receptor agrees well with the time course of 5-HT release into the inflammatory exudate. These data, and those previously reported on the action of aspirin and of a peripheral antihistamine on carrageenin sensitization, are compared. These results indicate the relative participation of the various inflammatory substances released in the exudate, and the importance of timing of administration for an effective antagonism of the hyperalgesia elicited by this inflammation.

Action Potentials↗

Evidence for central phenomena participating in the changes of responses of ventrobasal thalamic neurons in arthritic rats.

In this study performed in the Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritic rat, a local injection of lidocaine in one hind paw strongly depressed the ventrobasal thalamic neuronal responses to mild stimulation of both ankles. In parallel, a behavioral study provided evidence for a bilateral hypoalgesia, tested by the vocalization threshold to paw pressure, after a unilateral anesthetic block. The involvement of central phenomena in the changes of neuronal responsivity described in this model of experimental pain is therefore suggested.

Action Potentials↗

Antinociceptive activity of salsolinol (racemate, R(+)-, S(-)-enantiomers): evidence of a peripheral mechanism.

The existence and the characteristics of the antinociceptive action of salsolinol (racemate) and its two R(+)- and S(-)-enantiomers were studied using different pain tests in mice. None of these drugs possessed a significant activity on the tests sensitive to central acting analgesics (hot-plate and tail-flick tests), either after systemic (i.p.) or central (i.c.v.) injections. However, injected i.p., they reduced the number of writhes induced by phenylbenzoquinone; the ED50 was 79 +/- 2, 73 +/- 2 and 61 +/- 2 mg/kg for racemate, R(+)- and S(-)-enantiomer respectively. This activity was not antagonized by naloxone. Moreover, racemate and S(-) reduced, only for the highest used active dose on the PBQ test (128 mg/kg, i.p.), the edema induced by an intraplantar injection of carrageenin. These results provide evidence of an analgesic activity independent of the endogenous opiate systems and involving a peripheral mechanism.

Analgesia↗

Influence of a specific 5-HT3 antagonist on carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia in rats.

The effect of ICS 205-930 (ICS), a specific 5-HT3 antagonist, was studied on carrageenan (CAR)-induced rat paw inflammation to assess the involvement of endogenous released serotonin (5-HT) in the observed hyperalgesia. Studies were performed using a behavioural test, measuring the threshold stimulus necessary to elicit vocalization by gradually increasing pressure applied to the paw. When administered (s.c., in the CAR-injected paw) either 20 min before, simultaneously or 20 min after CAR, ICS (10(-11) mol/kg, i.e., 3.2 ng/kg) completely prevented the hyperalgesia in both the injected and non-injected hind paws. This effect was prolonged for 90 min, equivalent to the effect on CAR on 5-HT release. Moreover, ICS increased the vocalization threshold over the pre-drug values in normal and CAR-treated rats when injected both 20 min before and simultaneously with the polysaccharide. On the contrary, it did not reduce the hyperalgesia, when injected 2 h after CAR. ICS had no effect at any time of administration on paw oedema. These results suggest that the early inflammatory sensitization of peripheral nociceptors is mainly dependent on the release of serotonin and that the hyperalgesic effect of the monoamine involves 5-HT3(M) receptors which do not seem to be involved in the early development of oedema.

Animals↗

Pharmacokinetics of metapramine and its demethylated metabolites in plasma and brain of mice.

Previous studies on pharmacokinetic parameters of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) in rodents have shown different results from those obtained for the same drugs in man. The kinetics of metapramine (META) and its major demethylated metabolites (METs) were studied in the SWISS CD 1 mouse after acute administration in order to establish the pharmacokinetic parameters in plasma and brain. The plasma half-life (T1/2) was very short (87 min) compared with the half-life (7 h) in man. The metabolism of META was intensive as was the transfer of META and its metabolites into the brain. The kinetic profiles of the substances were quite similar both in plasma and in brain, namely a bicompartment open model. META was rapidly absorbed (Tmax = 10 min) into and quickly eliminated (T 1/2 = 40 min) from the brain. These parameters were used to schedule sampling (blood and brain) at the appropriate time after acute administration of increased doses. The administered doses were significantly correlated to firstly the plasma or brain levels of META, secondly the plasma levels of the main monodemethylated metabolite (MET I), and thirdly the plasma or brain levels of META + METs. Finally, the evolution of plasma and brain levels of the substances was studied after repeated injections (i.e. every 40 min) and confirmed the high affinity of META and its metabolites for the brain regions.

Animals↗

Pharmacokinetic patterns of repeated administration of antidepressants in animals. II. Their relevance in a study of the influence of clomipramine on morphine analgesia in mice.

Many studies have shown tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) to potentiate morphine analgesia, but more recent work, using different modes of administration, has revealed inhibition of morphine analgesia by TCAs. The influence of different modes of administration of clomipramine (CMI) on morphine analgesia assessed by the hot-plate test was studied in mice. The administration procedure was based on the pharmacokinetic parameters of CMI determined in the strain used. Acute and chronic (i.e., every half-life of 130 min for five half-lives) administration of CMI (10 or 20 mg/kg i.p.) had opposite effects; the former potentiated morphine analgesia and the latter inhibited it. Five closely repeated administrations (i.e., every 40 min) suppressed the potentiation without producing inhibition. The time course of the influence of CMI showed that the inhibition of morphine analgesia observed after repeated administration of a given dose of CMI occurred if the latter was present for sufficient time; this time decreased when the dose of CMI was increased. Moreover, comparison with literature data shows the importance of standardized patterns of repeated administration: the variability in the frequency of repeated administration and in the time-lag between the last injection of TCA and the test may account for the varying results observed. The discrepancies in the literature regarding TCA/morphine interaction are thus only apparent, and arise merely from varying conditions. Possible mechanisms for the CMI-morphine interaction are discussed: involvement of opiate receptors and/or the serotonergic system.

Analgesia↗

Study of histamine release induced by acute administration of antitumor agents in dogs.

The effects of eight antitumoral drugs known to cause anaphylactoid side effects in clinical use were studied in dogs. Blood pressure, heart rate, and blood and plasma histamine levels were monitored. L-asparaginase, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, bleomycin, and cisplatin had no effect on these parameters. Doxorubicin, Vehem (teniposide), and Vepeside (etoposide) induced hypotension, tachycardia, and a rise in histamine levels. In the cases of Vehem and Vepeside, the excipient (respectively, cremophor EL and tween 80) induced the same effects. These agents, like elliptinium, which had been previously studied, induce nonspecific histamine release--unlike the other drugs studied. The mechanism of clinically observed anaphylactoid side effects is discussed in the light of these findings.

Anaphylaxis↗

An automated method to analyze vocalization of unrestrained rats submitted to noxious electrical stimuli.

Unrestrained rats were subjected to electrical stimuli applied to their paws via an electrified cage floor. Intensity, duration, and order of stimulation were chosen after preliminary tests. Vocalization threshold and vocalization as a behavioral response were studied. The vocalization was recorded and the signal analyzed by a simple computerized method that calculated five parameters: delay, maximal amplitude, duration, area, and maximal derivative with respect to time. The last four parameters increased with increasing intensity of stimulation and remained stable when the same stimulation was given repeatedly. Sensitivity to morphine (2.5 and 5 mg/kg s.c.) was tested. Morphine raised the threshold and lowered vocalization parameters, and it was antagonized by naloxone, thus validating the method. The sensitivity of the test and its capacity to separate sensory and affective components of pain are discussed.

Animals↗

Behavioural and electrophysiological evidence for an analgesic effect of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, sodium diclofenac.

The effects of various i.v. doses of diclofenac sodium (Voltaren, 1.5, 3, 6 and 9 mg/kg) were evaluated by measuring the vocalization threshold in response to paw pressure in normal and in Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritic rats. An electrophysiological study performed in parallel in arthritic rats considered the effects of 6 mg/kg i.v. diclofenac on ventrobasal thalamic neuronal responses driven by mild stimulation of an inflamed joint. In normal rats, 6 and 9 mg/kg i.v. diclofenac raised vocalization thresholds significantly (maximum vocalization thresholds were respectively 135.67 +/- 3.30% and 157.41 +/- 4.62% of the preinjection control at 30 min, n = 9 in each group), while no effect was observed with 3 mg/kg. In arthritic rats, i.v. doses of 3, 6 and 9 mg/kg diclofenac induced a clear analgesic effect (maximum vocalization thresholds were respectively 172.22 +/- 4.26, 201.78 +/- 4.76, 222.33 +/- 5.10% of the control at 25 min, n = 9 in each group), whereas a dose of 1.5 mg/kg i.v. did not raise the threshold. In arthritic rats, the VB neuronal responses were depressed by about 50% 20 min after an injection of 6 mg/kg i.v. diclofenac. These results clearly establish that diclofenac produces a dose-dependent analgesic effect, which is more potent in arthritic than in normal rats.

Action Potentials↗

Pharmacokinetic patterns of repeated administration of antidepressants in animals. I. Implications for antinociceptive action of clomipramine in mice.

The pattern of repeated administration of antidepressants in animals varies from one study to another, making comparison of results difficult. We propose a means of standardizing the pattern of administration for any particular animal, based on a pharmacokinetic study of the antidepressant [here clomipramine (CMI)] in that animal. The plasma half-life (127 min) in the Swiss CD1 mouse was used as a basis for chronic administration, which was strictly every half-life as in clinical use. Daily administration is thus merely repeated acute administration. The antinociceptive action of CMI was compared under four sets of conditions of injection: single, chronic, daily and closely repeated (every 40 min). The antinociceptive effect obtained after an acute injection of CMI (10 or 20 mg/kg i.p.) was increased 2-fold after five chronic injections. Closely repeated injections gave a more marked effect than chronic administration, and daily administration was ineffective. The time course of the antinociceptive action correlated with that of blood and brain levels of CMI and its monodemethylated derivative. The enhancement of the antinociceptive action observed after chronic and closely repeated administration was shown not to be due to any modification of motor activity. It was suppressed by naloxone. Comparison with results reported in the literature shows the benefit of using a well-defined pattern of administration.

Analgesics↗

Study of the clomipramine-morphine interaction in the forced swimming test in mice.

Tricyclic antidepressant-morphine interactions have been extensively studied on pain tests but less often on tests predictive of antidepressant activity. The effects of clomipramine (CMI) and morphine were tested on the forced swimming test in mice after pretreatment with CMI, morphine or saline. Like CMI, though less so, morphine was significantly active. Morphine pretreatment partially inhibited the effect of CMI irrespective of the morphine pretreatment dose, but reduction of morphine activity by CMI was non-significant. Acquired tolerance to morphine occurred, but not to CMI. The mechanisms at work were discussed. CMI and desmethylclomipramine (DCMI) plasma levels remained the same after morphine pretreatment, ruling out a pharmacokinetic mechanism. The interaction implied involvement of opiate systems. CMI might have been acting on two different opiate receptor populations, one sensitive to morphine pretreatment, the other not. The mechanism of this action seems to be different from that of morphine.

Animals↗

Benzodiazepine withdrawal seizures: analysis of 48 case reports.

Various reactions to benzodiazepine withdrawal have been widely described. Among these, seizures have occasionally occurred on abrupt withdrawal. Our own experience of 48 cases of seizures suspected to have been caused by benzodiazepine withdrawal and reported to the Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) Monitoring Center (1979-1985) showed that a great variety of benzodiazepines with different half-lives were involved, those most frequently implicated being the most widely prescribed. The occurrence of seizures was not always related to the interruption of long-term treatment (from a few days to greater than 7 years) nor to high-dose treatment, the range of dosages being usually close to that recommended. However, in some cases, several benzodiazepines had been taken simultaneously. The time between the last intake of the drug(s) and the occurrence of the seizures was shorter when a short-life benzodiazepine had been used. Additional factors were frequently involved; these factors were present in 29 cases and were multiple in nine of them. The incidence of withdrawal seizures was related more to the presence of these additional factors than to either the pharmacokinetics of the drugs or the pattern of treatment.

Adult↗

[Synthesis and pharmacologic evaluation of some dihydropyran carboxylic acids].

The synthesis of three new dihydropyran carboxylic acids has been performed by uncommon procedures: cyanosilylation, cyclisation of oxime. Their chemical structure was confirmed by I.R. and N.M.R. data. In a pharmacological evaluation they were found to possess significant effects on the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test and on the central nervous system; one of them showed an interesting antiallergic effect whilst another showed an interesting sedative effect.

Analgesics↗

Chronic administration of clomipramine inhibits morphine hot plate analgesia.

Clomipramine, chronically administered in mice, for 3 days, inhibits partially but significantly morphine analgesia in the hot plate test, when used at dose of 10 mg/kg/day, i.p.; 2.5 and 5 mg/kg/day were ineffective. Neither higher doses (20 and 40 mg/kg/day) nor longer duration of pretreatment (8 and 16 days) modified the intensity of this inhibition. Reduction in morphine analgesia was obtained after a 24h delay between the last injection of clomipramine and that of morphine (30 min before testing), while clomipramine did not induce any antinociceptive effect and clomipramine and desmethylclomipramine plasma and brain levels were low or undetectable. These results provide new evidence for the interaction between clomipramine and the endogenous opiate system. A pharmacokinetic interaction between clomipramine and morphine was excluded; involvement of change in opiate and 5 HT2 receptors by chronic administration of clomipramine is discussed.

Analgesia↗