The role of keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC) on hyperalgesia caused by peripheral nerve injury in mice.

Chemokines are associated with both inflammatory and immune responses and play an important role in the pathophysiological process associated with neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury. Here, we investigated the involvement of peripheral keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC) in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain induced by the partial ligation of the sciatic nerve (PLSN) in mice. PLSN increased KC levels and its mRNA in both the sciatic nerve and spinal cord when compared with sham-operated mice.

Plant derived alkaloid (-)-cassine induces anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesics effects in both acute and chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain models.

Natural products have been revealed as relevant sources of therapeutic agents including those for the management of pain states. In this study, the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of (-)-cassine, isolated from Senna spectabilis were evaluated using pharmacological, behavioural and biochemical approaches. Oral treatment with (-)-cassine (3-30 mg/kg) reduced carrageenan-induced mechanical and thermal nociception associated with the suppression of myeloperoxidase activity in the mouse paw.

Mechanisms involved in IL-6-induced muscular mechanical hyperalgesia in mice.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an inflammatory cytokine known to modulate muscle pain. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect still remain unclear. Here we show that the injection of IL-6 into mice gastrocnemius muscle evoked a time- and dose-dependent mechanical hyperalgesia.