SYSTEMIC ADENOSINE INFUSION - A NEW TREATMENT MODALITY TO ALLEVIATE NEUROPATHIC PAIN

Adenosine, an endogenous antinociceptive compound acting in the centra l nervous system, was infused intravenously (50-70 mu g/kg/min) to 2 p atients with peripheral neuropathic pain. In 1 subject, spontaneous pa in was alleviated, and tactile allodynia was essentially relieved duri ng 40 min of infusion. Allodynia to warmth and touch were abolished in the other subject. In addition, hyperalgesia to pinprick was markedly attenuated as was pressure-induced allodynia. The reported effects la sted for hours after termination of the infusion. Our preliminary enco uraging data call for further controlled studies of the potentially re lieving effect of adenosine in painful neuropathic conditions.