OBJECTIVE: Tapentadol exhibits a synergistic dual effect effect (MOR / NRI) -agonist effect on noradrena-line reuptake inhibition (NRI). Tapentadol is effective on pain with neuropathic characteristics, therefore we decided to use it in an experimental model of acute orofacial pain. METHODS: The Orofacial Stimulation Test, developed by Ugo Basile, measures hypersensitivity to thermal or mechanical stimulation of the trigeminal area. In the experiment, rats had to voluntarily contact a thermal or mechanical stimulator with their unshaved vibrissal pad in order to access a food reward. Twenty adult laboratory rats (average weight 345 grams) were tested. Intraperitoneal tapentadol was used in doses of 1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg. RESULTS: The results of the pilot study indicate that intraperitoneal administration of tapentadol (2 mg/kg) increased mechanical anti-nociception in rats.

Department of Anesthesiology Resuscitation and Intensive Care 1st Faculty of Medicine Pain Management Center Charles University Prague Czech Republic

Department of Normal Pathological and Clinical Physiology 3rd Faculty of Medicine Charles University Prague Czech Republic