[Effect of locus coeruleus stimulation and electroacupuncture on nociceptive response of spinal dorsal horn neurons in rats].

Previous studies have demonstrated that locus coeruleus (LC)-noradrenergic neuronal system plays an important role in pain modulation and electroacupuncture (EA) analgesia. In the present experiment, the effect of LC stimulation and EA on nociceptive response of spinal dorsal horn neurons was investigated. The main results were: 1) LC stimulation and electroacupuncture produced a significant inhibitory effect on nociceptive response of dorsal horn neurons; 2) The inhibitory effect of LC stimulation was not affected by the lesion of nucleus raphe magnus or by the injection of naloxone; 3) These inhibitory effects of LC stimulation and electroacupuncture could be enhanced by alpha 2-agonist clonidine, and decreased slightly by alpha-antagonist phentolamine. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of LC stimulation and electroacupuncture on the nociceptive response of dorsal horn neurons might be mediated by alpha 2-receptors.