Effect of spinally administered simvastatin on the formalin-induced nociceptive response in mice

Clinical and experimental observations indicated that 3-hydroxy-3- methylglutaryl coa reductase inhibitor statins have pleiotropic effects. the present study determined the anti-nociceptive property of centrally administered simvastatin on the formalin-induced nociception in the mouse. intrathecal administration of simvastatin at doses of 0.5 - 50 nmol dose-dependently attenuated the second,but not the first,phase of the formalin-induced nociception,which was partially reversed by mevalonate (5 μmol). intracerebroventricular injection of simvastatin (50 nmol) did not affect the formalin-induced nociception. these results suggest that simvastatin-induced antinociception is mediated by attenuation of the sensitization of spinal nociceptive transmission. © the japanese pharmacological society.