(357) Antinociceptive effects of a synthetic tetracycline compound on mechanical and cold allodynia

Abstract

Synthetic tetracycline compounds have been developed and are able to reduce infection as well as inflammation. They are broad-spectrum antibiotics used against different bacterial infectious diseases. However, the effect on mechanical and cold pain sensitivity has not been investigated. The goal of the study is to evaluate the effect of synthetic tetracycline compounds with or without alcohol on mechanical and cold allodynia responses. Mechanical and cold responses will be used to evaluate pain threshold differences between male and female wild-type C57BL/6 mice. First, we have evaluated the effect of a synthetic tetracycline compound on mechanical and cold allodynia. Our data indicate that mechanical and cold allodynia remains unchanged after administration of a synthetic tetracycline compound meaning values are similar to baseline levels. However, synthetic tetracycline compound showed antinociceptive effects to mechanical and cold allodynia following the formalin test (60 minutes after injection of formalin). Moreover, mechanical and cold allodynia responses return to baseline levels 2 hours after the formalin test. Second, we have evaluated the effect of alcohol on mechanical and cold allodynia. Chronic alcohol lowers mechanical and cold allodynia thresholds differently in male and female mice. These results demonstrate potential antinociceptive properties of synthetic tetracycline compound in response to mechanical and cold allodynia. Further studies are needed to investigate the mechanism underlying this antinociceptive effect of synthetic tetracycline compounds and a possible gender specific difference. Antinociceptive properties of synthetic tetracycline compounds could be a great alternative avenue to alleviate pain in patients.