(759): Attenuation of mechanical allodynia with peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor agonist in rat after L5 spinal nerve injury

Abstract

Treating neuropathic pain with systemic opioids is associated with significant dose-limiting central nervous system (CNS) side effects, tolerance, and potential for addiction and drug abuse. Recent observation suggests a role for peripheral mu-opioid receptors (MORs) in neuropathic pain. To examine whether selective activation of peripheral MORs may attenuate neuropathic pain behavior in rats, a blinded, vehicle-controlled study was designed to test whether loperamide, a peripherally restricted MOR agonist, would attenuate the mechanical allodynia induced by ligation and transection of the L5 spinal nerve (SNL) in adult male rat.