Montelukast, a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, exerts local antinociception in animal model of pain through the L-arginine/nitric oxide/cyclic GMP/KATP channel pathway and PPARγ receptors

Objective: The leukotrienes are inflammatory mediators. In the present study, the analgesic role of local montelukast, a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, and the possible involvement of L-arginine/NO/cGMP/K-ATP channel pathway and PPAR gamma receptors was assessed in the formalin test in rats. Methods and results: The local administration of montelukast into the hind paw produced dose-related analgesia during both phases of the formalin test. Furthermore, pre-treatment with L-NAME, methylene blue, and glibenclamide prevented montelukast (10 mu g/paw)-induced antinociception in both early and late phases of the test. Moreover, the local L-arginine and diazoxide before the sub-effective dose of montelukast (3 mu g/paw) produced an analgesic effect. Also, local GW-9662 blocked antinociception induced by montelukast plus pioglitazone (10 mu g/paw). Conclusion: In conclusion, montelukast produced peripheral analgesia through PPAR gamma receptors and activation of the L-arginine/NO/cGMP/K-ATP channel pathway, with potential for a new topical analgesic drug.

Automated summary

In this study, local montelukast was found to produce dose-related analgesia in the formalin test in rats. The analgesic effect was mediated through the activation of the L-arginine/NO/cGMP/K-ATP channel pathway and PPAR gamma receptors. This suggests the potential of montelukast as a new topical analgesic drug.