Magnesium and MK-801 have a similar effect in two experimental models of neuropathic pain

Considering that magnesium and non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonists inhibit the opening of the channel linked to the NMDA receptor. we assessed their effects on mechanical hyperalgesia in two animal models of neuropathic pain (rats with a sciatic nerve ligature and diabetic rats). Our data show that magnesium reverses the hyperalgesia, as does MK-801. These results suggest that magnesium could be an alternative for the treatment of neuropathic pain in patients. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.