s-nitrosocysteine and Pain

Many of the circulating algesic agents released in response to ischemia produce a profound vasodilatation possibly through the release of an endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) as well as pain. We report here that intravenously administered S-nitrosocysteine, a putative EDRF, and not the nitric oxide liberating compound sodium nitroprusside produces significant alterations in nociceptive behavior that are abolished by bilateral vagotomy. These results are consistent with a role for EDRF in peripheral nociceptive mechanisms.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Blood Pressure; Cysteine; Heart Rate; Male; Nitric Oxide; Nitroprusside; Pain; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; S-Nitrosothiols; Vagotomy