Electrophysiological studies on the postnatal development of the spinal antinociceptive effects of the delta opioid receptor agonist DPDPE in the rat

摘要

1. The antinociceptive effects of the delta opioid receptor selective agonist, DPDPE [(D-Pen~2, D- Pen~5)-enkephalin] was studied in rats aged postnatal day (P) 14, P21 P28 and P56. 2. Antinociceptive effects of DPDPE were measured as percentage inhibition of the C-fibre evoked response and post-discharge of dorsal horn neurones evoked by peripheral electrical stimulation. DPDPE was administered by topical application, akin to intrathecal injection.