Resveratrol decreases hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan in the rat hind paw

The effect of resveratrol, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) antagonist, k nown to inhibit inducible cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and its transcription wer e examined in a model of hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan in the rat. Pr etreatment with resveratrol did not reverse swelling and edema, but reverse d the hyperalgesia induced by local tissue injury provoked by carrageenan. This reversal, occurring at resveratrol concentrations as low as 2 mg/kg, l asted for at least 48 hours. The link with COX2 activity inhibition and COX 2 gene transcription, as well as a potential AhR inhibitory effect, remain to be established. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.