Mirogabalin, a novel ligand for α2δ subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, improves cognitive impairments in repeated intramuscular acidic saline injection model rats, an experimental model of fibromyalgia

Abstract

Mirogabalin is a novel potent and selective ligand for the α2δ subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, and shows potent and sustained analgesic effects in neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia models. Fibromyalgia is often associated with multiple comorbid symptoms, such as anxiety, depression and cognitive impairment. In the present study, we investigated the effects of mirogabalin on cognitive impairments in an experimental animal model for fibromyalgia, repeated intramuscular acidic saline injection model (Sluka model) rats. Male rats received two repeated intramuscular injections of pH 4 acidic saline into their gastrocnemius muscle. After developing mechanical hypersensitivity as identified in the von Frey test, the animals received the test substance orally once daily for 13 days and were subjected to four cognitive function tests, (Y-maze, novel object recognition, Morris water maze and step-through passive avoidance). Sluka model rats showed cognitive impairments in all four tests. Oral administration of mirogabalin (3 and 10 mg/kg) improved the cognitive impairments in these rats. In conclusion, mirogabalin improved the impaired cognitive function in Sluka model rats. It may thus also alleviate cognitive impairments as well as painful symptoms in fibromyalgia patients.