Journal List > Chonnam Med J > v.44(2) > 1017878

Yoon, Lee, Kim, Lee, Kim, and Huang: Effect of Intrathecal Epigallocatechin-3-gallate on Formalin-induced Pain Rat Model

Abstract

Green tea is being widely consumed as a health beverage. Recently, green tea polyphenols have been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory property by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins; in particular, systemic green tea is shown to produce an antinociceptive effect. We examined the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), one of green tea catechins, administered at the spinal level, on the nociception. Male Sprague-Dwaley rats were used. Nociception was induced by subcutaneous injection of formalin solution (5%, 50μl) into the paw of the rat. For EGCG administration, intrathecal catheter was inserted into the subarachnoid space of the spine. Formalin-induced pain behavior (flinching response) was observed for 60 min and divided into the two phases, Intrathecal EGCG did not affect the flinching responses during both phase 1 and phase 2. These findings suggest that intrathecal EGCG may be ineffective against acute pain and facilitated state pain evoked by subcutaneously injected formalin.

Figures and Tables

Fig. 1
Time effect curve of intrathecal EGCG for flinching in the formalin test. EGCG was administered 10 min before the formalin injection. Formalin was injected at time 0. Data are presented as the number of flinches. Each line represents the mean±SEM of 5~7 rats.
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Fig. 2
Dose response curve of intrathecal EGCG for flinching in the formalin test. Data are presented as the sum of flinches. EGCG failed to alter flinches in phase 1 (A) and phase 2 (B) in the formalin test. Each line represents the mean±SEM of 5~7 rats.
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Table 1
Behavioral score of EGCG (n=5)
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PR, pinna reflex; CR, corneal reflex; PSR, placing-stepping reflex; RR, righting reflex. 0 means normal.

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