A comparison of chronic aspartame exposure to aspirin on inflammation, hyperalgesia and open field activity following carrageenan-induced monoarthritis.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether chronic aspartame exposure possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions in the carrageenan-induced monoarthritis model similar to those properties of aspirin. Prior research demonstrated that aspartame can reduce second phase formalin pain and increase motor activity in arthritic patients. Fifty-eight male Sprague-Dawly rats were treated with aspartame (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) or saline for six days. An additional group of animals received daily injections of saline and on the sixth treatment day, received a 150-mg/kg dose of aspirin 30-minutes prior to behavioral testing. On Day 6, animals received an intra-articular (i.a.) injection of 2% lambda carrageenan (CARR) or an equal volume of saline and were tested four hours later on threshold to mechanical and thermal stimuli, open field activity, and knee joint diameter. Aspirin-treated arthritic animals exhibited significantly less mechanical hyperalgesia and knee joint inflammation compared with vehicle treated arthritic animals. However, aspirin did not reverse thermal hyperalgesia or increase motor activity to control levels. Aspartame did not reduce inflammation, increase motor activity, or attenuate thermal allodynia, but at 50 mg/kg did attenuate mechanical allodynia compared with vehicle treated arthritic animals. The anti-hyperalgesic effect on mechanical hyperalgesia was not seen at 25 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg aspartame. These results suggest that a certain amount of aspartame may provide relief of arthritic pain to a similar degree as aspirin in some individuals. The specific effect of aspartame and aspirin on mechanical hyperalgesia should be considered when these agents are used for the therapeutic treatment of arthritic conditions.     

Inhibition of Calotropis procera latex-induced inflammatory hyperalgesia by oxytocin and melatonin

The latex of the wild growing plant Calotropis procera produces inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes upon accidental exposure. On local administration it elicits an intense inflammatory response due to the release of histamine and prostaglandins that is associated with hyperalgesia. In the present study we have evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of oxytocin and melatonin against rat paw edema induced by dried latex (DL) of C procera and compared it with that against carrageenan-induced paw edema. Aqueous extract of DL of C procera or carrageenan (1%) was injected into the subplantar surface of the rat paw and the paw volume was measured at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 10, and 24 hours. The associated hyperalgesic response and functional impairment were also evaluated concomitantly by dorsal flexion pain test, motility test, and stair climbing ability test. The inhibitory effect of oxytocin and melatonin on edema formation and hyperalgesic response was compared with dexamethasone. DL-induced edema formation was maximum at 2 hours and was associated with decreased pain threshold and functional impairment. Treatment with melatonin significantly attenuated the edematous response while both oxytocin and melatonin increased the pain threshold and improved functional parameters. Both oxytocin and melatonin significantly inhibited the hyperalgesia associated with DL-induced paw edema. Oxytocin was found to be as effective as melatonin in ameliorating the hyperalgesic response. However, it was found to be less effective than melatonin in attenuating edema formation.     

Calotropis procera latex-induced inflammatory hyperalgesia--effect of antiinflammatory drugs

The milky white latex of plant Calotropis procera produces inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes on accidental exposure. It produces edema on local administration due to the release of histamine and prostaglandins and is associated with hyperalgesia. In the present study we have evaluated the antiedematous and analgesic activity of antiinflammatory drugs against inflammatory response induced by dried latex (DL) of C procera in rat paw edema model. An aqueous extract of DL of C procera was injected into the subplantar surface of the rat paw and the paw volume was measured by a plethysmometer at 0, 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours. Concomitantly the hyperalgesic response was also evaluated by motility test, stair climbing ability test, dorsal flexion pain test, compression test, and observing the grooming behavior. The inhibitory effect of diclofenac and rofecoxib on edema formation and hyperalgesic response was compared with cyproheptadine (CPH). DL-induced edema formation was maximum at 2 hours that was associated with decreased pain threshold, functional impairment, and grooming. Treatment with antiinflammatory drugs and CPH significantly attenuated the edematous response and grooming, increased the pain threshold, and improved functional parameters. Both antiinflammatory and antiserotonergic drugs significantly inhibited the hyperalgesia associated with DL-induced paw edema. Rofecoxib was found to be superior than diclofenac and was as effective as CPH in ameliorating the hyperalgesia. However, it was found to be less effective than CPH in attenuating edema formation.     

The antagonism by anti-inflammatory analgesics of prostaglandin f 2 alpha-induced contractions of human and rabbit myometrium in vitro.

The anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs, aspirin, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, mefenamic acid ibuprofen and flurbiprofen are shown to inhibit in a dose-dependent manner the force of contraction of isolated human pregnant myometrial strips which have been stimulated to contract by adding prostaglandin (PG) F2alpha to the tissue bath. These drugs and also flufenamic acid and salicin show a similar antagonism of the action of PGF2alpha with isolated rabbit non-pregnant myometrium. The ratio of the inhibitory concentration in vitro to the maximum plasma level after a normal dose in vivo suggests that phenylbutazone and possibly ibuprofen may be capable of inhibiting human uterine contractions in vivo. Patients who were treated with aspirin during induction of abortion using PGF2alpha during the second trimester of pregnancy showed no significant change in the induction-abortion interval compared with patients not taking aspirin.     

The antagonism by anti-inflammatory analgesics of prostaglandin F2α-induced contractions of human and rabbit myometrium

The anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs, aspirin, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, mefenamic acid, ibuprofen and flurbiprofen are shown to inhibit in a dose-dependent manner the force of contraction of isolated human pregnant myometrial strips which have been stimulated to contract by adding prostaglandin (PG) F_2α to the tissue bath. These drugs and also flufenamic acid and salicin show a similar antagonism of the action of PGF_2α with isolated rabbit non-pregnant myometrium. The ratio of the inhibitory concentration to the maximum plasma level after a normal dose suggests that phenylbutazone and possibly ibuprofen may be capable of inhibiting human uterine contractions . Patients who were treated with aspirin during induction of abortion using PGF_2α during the second trimester of pregnancy showed no significant change in the induction-abortion interval compared with patients not taking aspirin.     

Influence of acidic beverage (Coca-Cola) on pharmacokinetics of ibuprofen in healthy rabbits

The study was aimed at determining the effect of Coca-Cola on the pharmacokinetics of ibuprofen in rabbits. In a cross-over study, ibuprofen was given orally in a dose of 56 mg/kg, prepared as 0.5% suspension in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and blood samples (1 ml) were drawn at different time intervals from 0-12 hr. After a washout period of 7 days, Coca-Cola in a dose of (5 ml/kg) was administered along with ibuprofen (56 mg/kg) and blood samples were drawn from 0-12 hr. To these rabbits, 5 ml/kg Coca-Cola was administered once daily for another 7 days. On 8th day, Coca-Cola (5 ml/kg) along with ibuprofen (56 mg/kg), prepared as a suspension was administered and blood samples (1 ml each) were drawn at similar time intervals. Plasma was separated and assayed for ibuprofen by HPLC technique and various pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. The Cmax and AUC0-alpha of ibuprofen were significantly increased after single and multiple doses of Coca-Cola, thereby indicating increased extent of absorption of ibuprofen. The results warrant the reduction of ibuprofen daily dosage, frequency when administered with Coca-Cola.     

Effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on the microsomal monooxygenase system of rat liver

The effect of acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, naproxen, phenylbutazone, and salicylic acid on the microsomal oxidative drug metabolism of rat liver was studied. Pretreatment of the rats with pharmacologic doses of acetylsalicylic acid, indomethacin, and ketoprofen decreased both the demethylase and hydroxylase activities of rat liver microsomes. These effects were paralleled by decreases in microsomal cytochrome P-450 content. The rate of the microsomal reactions was increased after pretreatment with ibuprofen and naproxen but only the former increased the concentration of cytochrome P-450. Phenylbutazone and salicylic acid had no in vivo effect on the hepatic monooxygenase. The addition of 1 mM of ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, naproxen, and phenylbutazone to rat liver microsomes inhibit both the aminopyrine N-demethylase and p-nitro-anisole O-demethylase activities. The extent of the inhibition varied between 21 and 73% of the control incubation. Indomethacin, naproxen, and phenylbutazone also decreased the aniline hydroxylase activity to roughly 60% of the control value. Acetylsalicylic acid and salicylic acid had no in vitro effect on the microsomal monooxygenase. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs produced a reverse type I binding spectrum with oxidized cytochrome P-450; indomethacin and phenylbutazone were the strongest ligands. There is no correlation between the effect of addition of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to the hepatic microsomal homogenate and their in vivo effect on the monooxygenase activity.     

The antagonism by anti-inflammatory analgesics of prostaglandin F2α-induced contractions of human and rabbit myometrium in vitro

The anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs, aspirin, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, mefenamic acid, ibuprofen and flurbiprofen are shown to inhibit in a dose-dependent manner the force of contraction of isolated human pregnant myometrial strips which have been stimulated to contract by adding prostaglandin (PG) F_2α to the tissue bath. These drugs and also flufenamic acid and salicin show a similar antagonism of the action of PGF_2α with isolated rabbit non-pregnant myometrium. The ratio of the inhibitory concentration in vitro to the maximum plasma level after a normal dose in vivo suggests that phenylbutazone and possibly ibuprofen may be capable of inhibiting human uterine contractions in vivo. Patients who were treated with aspirin during induction of abortion using PGF_2α during the second trimester of pregnancy showed no significant change in the induction-abortion interval compared with patients not taking aspirin.     

Prevention of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents induced acute gastric mucosal lesions by carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. An endoscopic study

The present paper studies the effect of acetazolamide, an inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase, on acute gastric mucosal damage induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The study was performed on healthy male subjects. The drugs tested were aspirin (1.5 g/day), indomethacin (75 mg/day), phenylbutazone (600 mg/day) and ibuprofen (600 mg/day) given for 7 days in 3 divided doses. Each drug was given to 5 cases in two separate periods, during which they were given acetazolamide 20 mg/kg/day or placebo in random order. Dyspeptic symptoms were evaluated. Endoscopy was performed before, and 3 and 7 days after NOSAC administration. Gastric mucosal lesions were evaluated according to the scale proposed by Lanza (J. Clin. Pharmacol., 24: 1984, 89) and the severity of the lesions was calculated. All drugs tested produced dyspeptic symptoms and acute mucosal damage of the gastric mucosa. Inhibition of gastric mucosa carbonic anhydrase by acetazolamide cessated promptly dyspeptic symptoms and reduced significantly the number and severity of drug-associated mucosal lesions.     

Rat ovarian prostaglandin levels and ovulation as indicators of the strength of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Immature Wistar rats were treated with pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin to induce ovulation. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs indomethacin, diclofenac, flurbiprofen, and phenylbutazone inhibited both the ovulation rate and the normal increase in ovarian prostaglandin E during ovulation. Tolmetin, ibuprofen, and aspirin did not have any significant effect. There was a significant correlation between the ovulation rate and the level of ovarian prostaglandin E following treatment with these drugs. When indomethacin was given in graded doses, there was also a correlation between ovulation rate and the dose-dependent inhibition of ovarian prostaglandin E.     

The antagonism by anti-inflammatory analgesics of prostaglandin F2α-induced contractions of human and rabbit myometrium in vitro

The anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs, aspirin, indomethacin, phenylbutazone, mefenamic acid, ibuprofen and flurbiprofen are shown to inhibit in a dose-dependent manner the force of contraction of isolated human pregnant myometrial strips which have been stimulated to contract by adding prostaglandin (PG) F_2α to the tissue bath. These drugs and also flufenamic acid and salicin show a similar antagonism of the action of PGF_2α with isolated rabbit non-pregnant myometrium. The ratio of the inhibitory concentration $\text{in vitro}$ to the maximum plasma level after a normal dose $\text{in vivo}$ suggests that phenylbutazone and possibly ibuprofen may be capable of inhibiting human uterine contractions $\text{in vivo}$. Patients who were treated with aspirin during induction of abortion using PGF_2α during the second trimester of pregnancy showed no significant change in the induction-abortion interval compared with patients not taking aspirin.     

Interaction between warfarin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in rats

In fed rats, the following NSAIDs were administered orally 24 hr before or 18 hr after the intraperitoneal administration of 1.34 mg/kg warfarin: phenylbutazone, 150 mg/kg; diflunisal, 75 mg/kg; ibuprofen, 150 mg/kg; acetylsalicylic acid, 300 mg/kg; indomethacin, 8 mg/kg; tolmetin sodium, 50 mg/kg; ketoprofen, 8 mg/kg; and amfenac sodium, 8 mg/kg. The elevation of the 24-hr prothrombin time was indicative of the effect of the warfarin. Warfarin-treated fasted rats showed a significantly higher prothrombin time than warfarin-treated fed rats. Interaction with phenylbutazone and warfarin occurred in fed and not in fasted rats when administered 18 hr after administration of the warfarin. At the 24-hr pretreatment time, only phenylbutazone significantly reduced the elevated prothrombin time. With the exception of amfenac sodium, all the NSAIDs significantly enhanced the elevated prothrombin time when administered 18 hr after warfarin. Their decreasing order of activity in enhancing the elevated prothrombin time was phenylbutazone, diflunisal, acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, indomethacin, tolmetin sodium, and ketoprofen. The results indicate that the rat is more sensitive than the human to the interaction between warfarin and NSAIDs.     

O2-acetoxymethyl-protected diazeniumdiolate-based NSAIDs (NONO-NSAIDs): synthesis, nitric oxide release, and biological evaluation studies

A novel group of O2-acetoxymethyl-protected diazeniumdiolate-based non-steroidal anti-inflammatory prodrugs (NONO-NSAIDs) were synthesized by esterifying the carboxylate group of aspirin, ibuprofen, or indomethacin with O2-acetoxymethyl 1-[N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methylamino]diazeniumdiolate. The resulting nitric oxide (*NO)-releasing prodrugs (7-9) did not exhibit in vitro cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory activity against the COX-1 and COX-2 isozymes (IC50s>100 microM). In contrast, prodrugs 7 and 8 significantly decreased carrageenan-induced rat paw edema showing enhanced in vivo anti-inflammatory activities (ID50's=552 and 174 micromol/kg, respectively) relative to those of the parent NSAIDs aspirin (ID50=714 micromol/kg) and ibuprofen (ID50=326 micromol/kg). The rate of porcine liver esterase-mediated *NO release from prodrugs 7-9 (2 mol of *NO/mol of test compound in 0.6-6.5 min) was substantially higher compared to that observed without enzymatic catalysis (about 1 mol of *NO/mol of test compound in 40-48 h). These incubation studies suggest that both *NO and the parent NSAID would be released upon in vivo activation (hydrolysis) by esterases. Data acquired in an in vivo ulcer index (UI) assay showed that NONO-aspirin (UI=0.8), NONO-indomethacin (UI=1.3), and particularly NONO-ibuprofen (UI=0) were significantly less ulcerogenic compared to the parent drugs aspirin (UI=57), ibuprofen (UI=46) or indomethacin (UI=34) at equimolar doses. The release of aspirin and *NO from the NONO-aspirin (7) prodrug constitutes a potentially beneficial property for the prophylactic prevention of thrombus formation and adverse cardiovascular events such as stroke and myocardial infarction.     

Synthesis of some newer derivatives of 2-amino benzoic acid as potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents

Diazotization of N-benzylidene anthranilic acids 1a-1n at pH 9 yielded N-[alpha-(phenylazo) benzylidene] anthranilic acids 2a-2n and at pH 3 yielded N-benzylidene-5-(phenylazo) anthranilic acids 3a-3n. When compounds 3a-3n were treated with thioglycolic/thiolactic acid in the presence of anhydrous ZnCl(2), 2-(4-oxo-2-phenylthiazolidin-3-yl)-5-(phenylazo) benzoic acids 4a-4n were afforded. The newly synthesized compounds were screened for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities and were compared with standard drugs, aspirin and phenylbutazone. Out of the compounds studied, the most active compound 4n showed more potent activity than the standard drugs at all doses tested.     

Inflammation and pain sensitivity: effects of leukotrienes D4, B4 and prostaglandin E1 in the rat paw

Leukotrienes (LT's) and prostaglandins (PG's) have been proposed as mediators of vascular permeability changes in inflammatory reactions. Also, prostaglandins, especially of the E-type, have been shown to enhance pain responses. In the present studies in rats, the effects of LTB4 and LTD4 on edema and pain thresholds were examined in combination with PGE1 and/or brewer's yeast. Subplantar injections of LTD4 or LTB4 induced small increases in paw thickness which were potentiated by the co-administration of PGE1. LTD4 alone had no significant effect on the development of the yeast paw edema. LTB4 was found to reduce significantly the yeast edema and this reduction could be reversed by administration PGE1. A small but significant decrease in pain threshold was caused by PGE1 and this was significantly enhanced in the presence of LTD4. LTB4, like PGE1, was found to cause slight hyperalgesia but no synergy between the two agents was observed. LTD4 was found to have no effect on the initial hypoalgesia or subsequent development of hyperalgesia caused by brewer's yeast. Both LTB4 and PGE1, however, prevented the initial hypoalgesia and significantly reduced the latency for development of yeast induced hyperalgesia. These effects of LTB4 are discussed in terms of possible release of cyclooxygenase products.     

Developmental toxicity evaluation of ibuprofen and tolmetin administered in triple daily doses to Wistar CRL:(WI)WUBR rats

BACKGROUND: Ibuprofen and tolmetin are popular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Previous animal studies taken with single daily doses showed their good prenatal tolerability. However, since both cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors have a short half-life, the current report presents drug developmental effects after triple daily doses administration, as they are used in human. METHODS: Drugs were separately, orally dosed to pregnant rats triple daily 8 hr apart from day 8 to 21 (GD=1-plug day). The total daily doses were set at 25.5, 255.0, and 600.0 mg/kg for ibuprofen and 25.5, 255.0, and 2550.0 mg/kg for tolmetin. Fetuses were delivered on GD 21 and routinely examined. Comprehensive clinical and developmental measurements were done. RESULTS: Maternal toxicity and intrauterine growth retardation were found in groups exposed to the highest doses of both drugs. An increase of external variations was reported in groups exposed to the middle and highest dose of ibuprofen and to the highest dose of tolmetin. Skeletal variations were significantly different only in litters treated with the highest doses of the drugs. Pooled statistical analysis showed a higher incidence of midline and ventricular septal (VSD) defect in rat fetuses exposed to COX inhibitors when compared with historical control data. For ibuprofen, the influence on VSD was similar to aspirin. CONCLUSION: Both COX inhibitors were toxic to dams in the highest doses evaluated, which caused a significantly greater incidence of intrauterine growth retardation and developmental variations.     

鞘内注射γ-氨基丁酸转运体抑制剂NO-711抑制坐骨神经慢性挤压伤大鼠神经病理性痛觉过敏

为研究γ-氨基丁酸转运体在神经病理性痛中的作用,实验用坐骨神经慢性挤压伤致神经病理性痛模型大鼠,以清醒大鼠分别对辐射热刺激和机械性触觉刺激的缩腿潜伏期和机械阈值为指标,分为NS组、N5组、N10组、N20组、N40组5组,分别在坐骨神经结扎前和结扎后第三天鞘内给予生理盐水或不同剂量的γ-氨基丁酸转运体特异性抑制剂NO-711(5、10、20、40μg),观察鞘内注射NO-711对大鼠热痛敏和触诱发痛的影响.结果表明,NO-711可显著抑制神经病理性痛大鼠的热痛觉过敏和触诱发痛(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),其抑制作用持续时间最长分别可达2 h(N40组)和4 h(N20组),其抗热痛敏作用呈剂量依赖性.坐骨神经结扎前鞘内给予不同剂量的NO-711可不同程度地延迟坐骨神经结扎所致的热痛觉过敏的发生,但不能延迟结扎所致的触诱发痛的发生.结果表明γ-氨基丁酸转运体抑制剂在神经病理性痛大鼠具有抗热痛敏和抗触诱发痛的作用.     

The effect of heat conditioning of the primary area before and after induction of hyperalgesia by topical/intradermal capsaicin or by controlled heat injury

The aim of the present study was to test the effect of heat conditioning before and after the induction of hyperalgesia. Three different methods were used for induction of hyperalgesia, topical capsaicin, intradermal capsaicin injection, and a controlled heat injury. The vascular (blood flow and skin temperature) and sensory changes (area of secondary hyperalgesia and ongoing pain) associated with the cutaneous hyperalgesia were compared. Each experiment consisted of two randomized sessions separated by at least 2 days. In one session, pre-conditioning of the skin by heat was performed 30 min before the induction of hyperalgesia using a probe at 45°C for 5 min in the center of the expected primary hyperalgesic area. After the induction of hyperalgesia, heat conditioning was performed twice in the center of the primary hyperalgesic area using a temperature of 2°C above the present individual pain threshold. On the contra-lateral arm, no heat conditioning was applied while hyperalgesia was induced using the same method. This session was evaluated as a control. The preconditioning induced an increased skin temperature in the primary area for both topical capsaicin and the controlled heat injury. Postconditioning caused increased blood flow in the secondary hyperalgesic area for the topical capsaicin method and increased blood flow in the primary hyperalgesic area for the controlled heat injury method. However, conditioning with heat in an attempt to increase the C-fiber input did not have any effect on the ongoing pain ratings and sensory test results in any of the methods. The results of the present study suggest that there is still a need for a better experimental model with more stable allodynia both between sessions and between subjects while at the same time minimizing discomfort to the volunteer.     

Bone hyperalgesia after mechanical impact stimulation: A human experimental pain model

Hyperalgesia in different musculoskeletal structures including bones is a major clinical problem. An experimental bone hyperalgesia model was developed in the present study. Hyperalgesia was induced by three different weights impacted on the shinbone in 16 healthy male and female subjects. The mechanical impact pain threshold (IPT) was measured as the height from which three weights (165, 330, and 660?g) should be dropped to elicit pain at the shinbone. Temporal summation of pain to repeated impact stimuli was assessed. All these stimuli caused bone hyperalgesia. The pressure pain threshold (PPT) was assessed by a computerized pressure algometer using two different probes (1.0 and 0.5?cm²). All parameters were recorded before (0), 24, 72, and 96?h after the initial stimulations. The IPTs were lowest 24?h after hyperalgesia induction for all three weights and the effect lasted up to 72?h (p?2 probe was significantly lower than the PPT obtained with the 0.5?cm² probe, regardless of the time. Females developed more pronounced hyperalgesia reflected in reduced IPTs and PPTs (p?p?相似文献   

Protease signaling to G protein-coupled receptors: implications for inflammation and pain

Proteases, like thrombin, trypsin, cathepsins, or tryptase, can signal to cells by cleaving in a specific manner, a family of G protein-coupled receptors, the protease-activated receptors (PARs). Proteases cleave the extracellular N-terminal domain of PARs to reveal tethered ligand domains that bind to and activate the receptors. Recent evidence has supported the involvement of PARs in inflammation and pain. Activation of PAR(1), PAR(2), and PAR(4) either by proteinases or by selective agonists causes inflammation inducing most of the cardinal signs of inflammation: swelling, redness, and pain. Recent studies suggest a crucial role for the different PARs in innate immune response. The role of PARs in the activation of pain pathways appears to be dual. Subinflammatory doses of PAR(2) agonists induce hyperalgesia and allodynia, and PAR(2) activation has been implicated in the generation of inflammatory hyperalgesia. In contrast, subinflammatory doses of PAR(1) or PAR(4) increase nociceptive threshold, inhibiting inflammatory hyperalgesia, thereby acting as analgesic mediators. PARs have to be considered as an additional subclass of G protein-coupled receptors that are active participants to inflammation and pain responses and that could constitute potential novel therapeutic targets.