B. I. Tamba 1, Irina Jaba 1, Dunărea Ionescu 1, O. C. Mungiu 1
1 Department of Pharmacology-Algesiology, Center for the Study and Th erapy of Pain, “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iaşi
Abstract
Aim of investigation. Cobalt (Co) is an essential divalent trace element. Because Zinc and Magnesium (also divalent trace elements) are well known for their infl uence on the nociceptive processes, we looked upon the possible modulator eff ect in nociception after systemically administered Co. Methods. Groups of 7 mice were treated with Cobalt Chloride (3.75 mg/kg body weight), administered intraperitoneal. Diff erent tests were used for evaluating the antinociceptive eff ect or the infl uence on behavior of the tested substances: thermal nociception (hot plate test, tail fl ick test), chemical nociception (writhing test) and spontaneous behavior (activity cage assay). Results. Our preliminary data for response latencies for hot-plate and tail-fl ick tests suggest that systemically administered Co produces a signifi cant analgesic eff ect under thermal nociceptive stimulation. The spontaneous behavior assay also shows a signifi cant decrease of activity in the tested animals. Discussion. Pain inhibition is even more signifi cant in conditions of chemical nociceptive stimulation, in a model of visceral pain. Conclusion. Th e mechanism through which Co exerts its analgesic eff ect is still unclear, and will require more investigations, including dose-eff ect analysis, though it may be related to the infl uence of haeme oxygenase-1 on the infl ammatory pain pathways.