Antihyperalgesic effects of ginseng total saponins in a rat model of incisional pain

Won Joong Kim, Hyun Kang, Geun Joo Choi, Hwa Yong Shin, Chong Wha Baek, Yong Hun Jung, Young Choel Woo, Jin Yun Kim, Jun Heum Yon

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16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background The aim of this study was to assess whether intraperitoneal administration of ginseng total saponins (GTS) has antihyperalgesic effects in a rat model of incisional pain. The proinflammatory responses and reversal of the antihyperalgesic effect of GTS by N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) or naloxone were also evaluated. Materials and methods Rats were injected intraperitoneally with 0.9% saline vehicle or various doses of GTS before or after a plantar incision. Paw withdrawal in response to application of the von Frey filament with the lowest bending force marked the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT). Blood samples were collected for the assessment of serum interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 levels. The IL levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with NMDA or naloxone before the GTS injection to assess the reversal of the antihyperalgesic effect of GTS. Results The MWT measured 2 h after the plantar incision increased significantly after the postincision administration of 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg of GTS compared with the MWT at 2 h after plantar incision. The MWT also increased significantly after the preincision injection of 100 or 200 mg/kg of GTS compared with the MWT of the vehicle control. Administration of GTS suppressed the postincision rise in serum IL-1β levels and NMDA inhibited the increase in the MWT compared with GTS alone. Conclusions Intraperitoneal administration of GTS before or after surgery induces antihyperalgesic effects in a rat model of incisional pain. The effects on mechanical hyperalgesia may be associated with anti-inflammatory cytokines and NMDA signaling.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)169-175
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Surgical Research
Volume187
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2014

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This research was supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology ( 2012R1A1A1003700 ).

Keywords

  • Analgesia
  • Interleukins
  • N-methyl-D-aspartate
  • Panax ginseng
  • Postoperative
  • Rats

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