Spinal noradrenergic terminal system mediates antinociception

SVR Reddy, TL Yaksh - Brain Research, 1980 - Elsevier
Intrathecal administration of norepinephrine (NE) into the lumbar subarachnoid space of rats
and cats implanted with chronic spinal catheters produced a strong, dose-dependent,
behaviorally defined analgesia. The effect appeared mediated by an α-receptor inasmuch
as phenylephrine, but not isoproterenol produced the intrathecal effect. Moreover, the
antinociceptive effect of NE was antagonized by the prior systemic or intrathecal
administration of phentolamine (an α-blocker), but was unaffected by pretreatment with …