Effects of α-tocopherol in rats with a neuropathic pain syndrome

Abstract

The rat model of a neuropathic pain syndrome (transection of the sciatic nerve with encapsulation of its central end) was used to evaluate the efficacy of the antioxidant α-tocopherol in such syndromes. It was found that administration of α-tocopherol 3 days before nerve transection and then for 3 weeks thereafter it delayed the development of the pain syndrome, which subsequently tended to subside. In contrast, a 3-week α-tocopherol treatment started when the pain syndrome had already set in failed to influence its evolution. α-Tocopherol markedly reduced manifestations of inflammatory and degenerative processes in the denervated limb.