Intrathecal administration of roscovitine inhibits Cdk5 activity and attenuates formalin-induced nociceptive response in rats.

Aim: To investigate effects of the cyclin-dependent kinase5 (Cdk5) inhibitor roscovitine on formalin-induced nociceptive responses in rats.

Methods: The flinch response as a methood of pain threshold measurement and intrathecal injection techniques were used. Cdk5 and phosphorylation of its downstream target, DARPP-32 (dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of M(r) 32 kDa), were investigated by Western blot analysis.

Results: Rats demonstrated a typical flinch response after formalin injection. Intrathecal roscovitine injections significantly suppressed the flinch response in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis showed that phosphorylated DARPP-32 at Thr75 increased in concentration after formalin hyperalgesia, with this effect reduced by roscovitine administration. This antinociception was partially attenuated by administration of naloxone before the formalin test.

Conclusion: DARPP-32 phosphorylation is involved in acute inflammatory pain response. Intrathecal roscovitine administration attenuates formalin-induced nociceptive responses and there is potential for further application.