Filicene obtained from Adiantum cuneatum interacts with the cholinergic, dopaminergic, glutamatergic, GABAergic, and tachykinergic systems to exert antinociceptive effect in mice

Abstract

In the present study, we describe the antinociceptive effect of filicene, a triterpene isolated from Adiantum cuneatum (Adiantaceae) leaves, in several models of pain in mice. When evaluated against acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions, filicene (10, 30 and 60 mg/kg, i.p.) produced dose-related inhibition of the number of constrictions, being several times more potent [ID(50)=9.17 (6.27-13.18) mg/kg] than acetaminophen [ID(50)=18.8 (15.7-22.6) mg/kg], diclofenac [ID(50)=12.1(9.40-15.6) mg/kg] and acetylsalicylic acid [ID(50)=24.0(13.1-43.8) mg/kg] in the same doses as those used for the standard drugs. Filicene also produced dose-related inhibition of the pain caused by capsaicin and glutamate, with mean ID(50) values of 11.7 (8.51-16.0) mg/kg and <10 mg/kg, respectively. Its antinociceptive action was significantly reversed by atropine, haloperidol, GABA(A) and GABA(B) antagonists (bicuculline and phaclofen, respectively), but was not affected by L-arginine-nitric oxide, serotonin, adrenergic and the opioid systems. Together, these results indicate that the mechanisms involved in its action are not completely understood, but seem to involve interaction with the cholinergic, dopaminergic, glutamatergic, GABAergic and tachykinergic systems.

α-Terpineol reduces nociceptive behavior in mice

“…The method used was similar to that described previously (De Souza et al, 2009). The animals were placed individually for 5 min in a transparent plexiglass cage observation chamber (25 cm × 15 cm × 15 cm) as an adaptation period.…”

Phytochemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Plants from the Genus <i>Adiantum</i>: A Review

“…Its antinociceptive action was significantly reversed by atropine, haloperidol, GABAA and GABAB antagonists (bicuculline and phaclofen, respectively. ), but was not affected by L-arginine-nitric oxide, serotonin, adrenalin and the opioid systems [64].…”

Antinociceptive and antiulcer activities of Pycnanthus angolensis

“…The acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction is a visceral pain model employed as a screening tool for the assessment of antinociceptive or anti-inflammatory activity of new analgesic agent (De Souza et al, 2009). Acetic acid causes algesic response which involves the interperitoneal liberation of several mediators such as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, kinnis, histamine, acetylcholine, substance P and prostaglandins.…”