Abstract
The effects of PGE 2, PGI 2 and the stable PGI 2 analogue cicaprost on the afferent discharge of ankle joint mechanonociceptors were studied in the anaesthetized rat. Close-arterial injection of PGI 2 (0.01–0.1 μg) or cicaprost (0.05–5 μg) caused both sensitization to mechanical stimulation and excitation of the majority of mechanonociceptors, whereas PGE 2 (0.03–3 μg) had only weak effects on a small number of nociceptive units. These results suggest the existence of specific PGI 2 sensitive receptors (IP receptors) on rat sensory afferent nerves, and support the hypothesis that in the rat endogenous PGI 2 plays an important role in the lowering of nociceptive thresholds in inflamed joints.
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