The additive effect between bupropion and citicoline upon induction of anti-nociceptive effect in nerve-ligated mice

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant that shows robust efficacy in the regulation of neuropathic pain. Citicoline is a dietary supplement which is used as a neuroprotective agent for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The probable interaction between bupropion and citicoline on neuropathic pain was assessed in male mice. Methods Neuropathic pain was induced by sciatic nerve ligation. Neuropathic pain was examined in nerve-ligated mice using tail-flick and hot-plate tests. Results The results indicated that intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of citicoline (50 and 100 mg/kg) induced an anti-nociceptive effect in nerve-ligated animals. Similarly, i.p. injection of bupropion (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) induced anti-nociceptive effects in nerve-ligated mice. Co-administration of different doses of bupropion (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) along with a low dose of citicoline (25 mg/kg) caused an anti-nociceptive effect by enhancement of tail-flick and hot plate latencies. Interestingly, there is an additive effect between bupropion and citicoline upon the induction of the anti-nociceptive effect. Conclusions Based on these results, it can be concluded that there is an interaction between bupropion and citicoline upon induction of an anti-nociceptive effect in nerve-ligated mice.