Effect of prolonged administration of bovine lactoferrin in neuropathic pain: involvement of opioid receptors, nitric oxide and TNF-alpha.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the effect of prolonged administration of bovine milk lactoferrin (bLF) on hyperalgesia and allodynia in a rat model of neuropathic pain and to determine the involvement of c-Fos, TNF-alpha, nitric oxide and opioidergic systems in this effect.

Main Methods: Neuropathic pain was induced in rats by loose ligation of the right sciatic nerve and evaluated by tests measuring the mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia and allodynia. bLF (50, 100, and 200mg/kg) alone or in combination with opioidergic antagonists were administered intraperitoneally to the rats with neuropathic pain.

Milnacipran attenuates hyperalgesia and potentiates antihyperalgesic effect of tramadol in rats with mononeuropathic pain.

Milnacipran is a non-tricyclic antidepressant drug which selectively inhibits serotonin and noradrenaline re-uptake and is recommended in the treatment of various chronic pain syndromes. Many studies have shown that compounds known to block monoamine uptake potentiate the antinociceptive effects of opioids. This study investigates the effect of milnacipran alone or in combination with an opiodergic drug, i.