THE HYPERALGESIC ACTION OF BARBITURATES IN MICE

Abstract

Since the introduction of the barbiturates there has been a difference of opinion as to whether these compounds have an analgesic action. While Keats & Beecher (1950) believe- that small doses of pentobarbitone are analgesic in clinical pain, workers using experimental pain techniques in man and animals have been unable to demonstrate any significant analgesic action of barbiturates (Andrews & Workman, 1941; Smith, D'Amour & D'Amour, 1943; Wolff & MacDonald, 1944; Hart & Weaver, 1948). Recently it has been shown, using experimental pain techniques in man, that the barbiturates are actually hyperalgesic (Clutton-Brock, 1961; Dundee, 1960), and may cause an increased sensitivity to pain.