Effect of noxious stimulation on dopamine metabolism in the prefrontal cortex during anesthesia and preemptive analgesia

Abstract

Using microdialysis, we evaluated the effect of noxious stimulation on the prefrontal cortex during anesthesia, and the role of AMPA/kainate receptors. We also examined the effects of preemptive analgesia (PA) on the dopaminergic neuron system in the prefrontal cortex. Electrical stimulation of the dorsum pedis decreased dopamine (DA) by 20% (p＜0.05). Electrical stimulation after addition of CNQX, an AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist, to the dialyzing solution further decreased DA.
These findings suggest that noxious stimulation during general anesthesia, unlike during arousal, decreases DA in the prefrontal cortex, and that AMPA/kainate receptors inhibit this decrease. In addition, noxious stimulation during anesthesia decreases DA in the prefrontal cortex, although epidural anesthesia inhibited this decrease. Shika lgaku (J Osaka Odontol Soc) 1996 Sept; 59(3): 244--25.