Test-specific effects of the 5-HT reuptake inhibitors alaproclate and zimelidine on pain sensitivity and morphine analgesia.

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The effects of the specific 5-HT uptake inhibitors alaproclate and zimelidine, the 5-HT releasing compound p-chloroamphetamine (PCA) and the specific NA uptake inhibitor desipramine on pain sensitivity were examined in male rats using the hot-plate and tail-flick methods. The effects of alaproclate and zimelidine on 5-HT uptake mechanisms in the hypothalamus and spinal cord were also studied. Alaproclate, zimelidine, PCA and desipramine produced hypoalgesia in the hot-plate but not in the tail-flick test. Naloxone (1 mg/kg) failed to block the hypoalgesia produced by alaproclate and PCA in the hot-plate test. Zimelidine but not desipramine pretreatment blocked the analgetic action of PCA in the hot-plate test. Alaproclate significantly enhanced morphine analgesia in the hot-plate test but did not affect morphine analgesia in the tail-flick test. In contrast, zimelidine tended to enhance and significantly prolonged morphine analgesia in the tail-flick test but did not affect morphine analgesia in the hot-plate test. Zimelidine inhibited 5-HT uptake with equal potency in the hypothalamus and spinal cord, while alaproclate produced a greater inhibition of 5-HT uptake in the hypothalamus. These findings show test-specific effects after enhancement of central 5-HT neurotransmission. It is suggested that various aspects of pain sensitivity and morphine analgesia may involve different 5-HT pathways in the brain and spinal cord. Moreover, 5-HT pathways in the forebrain may mediate analgesia of a non-opiate type.