CENTRAL NORADRENERGIC AND DOPAMINERGIC MODULATION OF BREWERS YEAST-INDUCED INFLAMMATION AND NOCICEPTION IN RATS

The possibility of central noradrenergic and dopaminergic modulation o f Brewer's yeast-induced peripheral inflammation was investigated in r ats. Centrally administered noradrenaline (NA), amphetamine, which lib erates NA and dopamine in the central nervous system and L-dopa, the p recursor of dopamine significantly suppressed paw oedema. Conversely, the beta-adrenoceptor blocker, propranolol, catecholaminergic neuron d egenerator, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), dopaminergic antagonist, halop eridol and dopamine synthesis inhibitor, alpha-methyl para tyrosine (A MPT) augmented paw oedema. In addition, 6-OHDA and haloperidol produce d significant reduction in pain threshold. The results of this study i ndicate that central NA and dopamine exert inhibitory effects on Brewe r's yeast-induced peripheral inflammation.