Antinociceptive effect of D-aspartic acid in mice.

The effects of D- and L-aspartic acids on the nociceptive tail flick reflex in mice were investigated. D-Aspartic acid (115-230 mg/kg, IP) was found to increase tail flick latency significantly. Naloxone (0.1 mg/kg) abolished the analgesic effect of D-aspartic acid (115 mg/kg). Morphine and D-aspartic acid, when combined at their nonanalgesic doses, led to significant analgesia. It may be concluded that the opioid system is involved in the antinociceptive effect of D-aspartic acid. Both morphine and D-aspartic acid were previously reported to inhibit L-aspartic acid production via blockade of L-asparaginase. L-Aspartic acid, which was ineffective alone, significantly inhibited the antinociceptive effects of both D-aspartic acid and morphine.