"Influence of Gabapentin and Atorvastatin, or its Association, in Mechanical Hyperalgesia and Motor Function Assessed on Crushing Nerve Injury Model"

Nerve lesions causes hyperalgesia and loss of motor function. Gabapentin (GABAP) is used in this condition for pain relief, while atorvastatin (ATORV) has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies. We have investigated the influence of GABAP and ATORV on nerve injury. Mice (25-35 g) were subjected to partial ligation of the sciatic nerve. Influence of the drugs on hyperalgesia and grip force was assessed before injury, 7, 14 and 21 days thereafter. Data evaluated by 1 or 2-way ANOVA (P < 0.05). GABAP (26.67  4.21% of response) and ATORV (36.67  10.85% of response), alone or in combination, reduced hyperalgesia (vehicle: 76.00  11.66% of response); there was an important effect for the association of these drugs on the grip force. The two agents augmented levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF, (vehicle: 105.30  12.53 pg/mg of protein; GABAP: 34.92  5.92 pg/mg of protein; ATORV: 33.77  4.20 pg/mg of protein) and insulin-like growth factor-1, IGF-1, (vehicle: 399.60  61.30 pg/mg of protein; GABAP: 388.30  38.57 pg/mg of protein; ATORV: 306.50  16.72 pg/mg of protein). Association of these substances of different pharmacological classes, may bring benefits on hyperalgesia and motor function associated with nerve lesions.