Introduction: We investigated the role of ATP-sensitive potassium channels and L-type calcium channels in morphine-induced hyperalgesia after nociceptive sensitization.

Methods: We used a hotplate apparatus to assess pain behavior in male NMRI mice. Nociceptive sensitization was induced by three days injection of morphine and five days of drug free. On day 9 of the schedule, pain behavior test was performed for evaluating the effects of morphine by itself and along with nimodipine, a blocker of L-type calcium channels and diazoxide, an opener of ATP-sensitive potassium channels. All drugs were injected through an intraperitoneal route.

Results: The results showed that morphine (7.5, 10 and 15 mg/kg) induced analgesia in normal mice, which was prevented by naloxone (1 mg/kg). After nociceptive sensitization, analgesic effect of morphine (10 and 15 mg/kg) was significantly decreased in sensitized mice. The results showed that nimodipine (2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) had no significant effect on pain behavior test in either normal or sensitized mice. However, nimodipine (20 mg/ kg) along with morphine (10 and 15 mg/kg) caused more decrease in morphine analgesia in sensitized mice. Furthermore, diazoxide by itself (0.25, 1, 5 and 20 mg/kg) had also no significant effect on pain behavior in both normal and sensitized mice, but at dose of 20 mg/kg along with morphine (10 and 15 mg/kg) decreased analgesic effect of morphine in sensitized mice.

Discussion: It can be concluded that potassium and calcium channels have some roles in decrease of analgesic effect of morphine after nociceptive sensitization induced by pretreatment of morphine.