Spinal GABAAand GABABReceptor Pharmacology in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain

Abstract

Pharmacologic inhibition of intrinsic GABA tone in normal rats resulted in tactile allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, consistent with the hypothesis being tested. Exogenous administration of GABA agonists reversed spinal nerve ligation-induced allodynia and hyperalgesia, also consistent with this hypothesis. Isoguvacine produced specific antihyperalgesic and antiallodynic effects, whereas assessment of the effects of baclofen was complicated by motor dysfunction. Spinal GABAA agonists may provide a specific therapy for neuropathic pain.