The effect of spinally administered WIN ۵۵,۲۱۲-۲, a cannabinoid agonist, on thermal pain sensitivity in diabetic rats

Objective(s):Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a common complication of diabetes that leads to allodynia, impaired nerve conduction, and progressive sensory loss. The aim of this study was to observe the effect of a high-affinity cannabinoid receptors agonist, WIN ۵۵,۲۱۲-۲, on thermal hyperalgesia, nerve conduction velocity and sciatic nerve histopathology in diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced in rats using a single dose of streptozotocin (۴۵ mg/kg IP). Results: Intrathecal (IT) administration of WIN۵۵, ۲۱۲-۲ (۱, ۱۰, ۱۰۰ µg/۱۰ µl, IT), produced antinociceptive effects in the hot plate test and also improved nerve conduction velocity (۱۰۰ µg/۱۰ µl, IT) and sciatic nerve histology. Conclusion: These data show that cannabinoids have potent antinociceptive effects through direct actions in the spinal dorsal horn of nociceptive pathway. This suggests that intrathecally administered cannabinoids may offer hopeful strategies for the treatment of diabetic neuropathic pain.

Keywords:

Diabetes , Intrathecal , Neuropathy , Pain , WIN ۵۵ , ۲۱۲-۲