Effects of vitamin D administration on nociception and spinal cord pro-oxidant and antioxidant markers in a rat model of neuropathic pain

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in neuropathic pain, a complicated condition after nerve tissue lesion. Vitamin D appears to improve symptoms of pain and exhibits antioxidant properties. We investigated the effects oral administration vitamin D3, active form D, on nociception, sciatic functional index (SFI), spinal cord pro-oxidant markers rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) nerve, model pain. D3 (500 IU/kg per day) attenuated CCI-induced decrease mechanical withdrawal threshold thermal latency (indicators antinociception) SFI. The prevented increased lipid hydroperoxide levels injured without change total capacity (TAC). hydroperoxide, superoxide anion generation (SAG), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) cord, which were found treatment at 7 28 days post-CCI. A significant negative correlation was between SAG H2O2 day 7. also decreased thiols content. There an increase TAC vitamin-treated CCI rats, compared only days. No changes body weight blood parameters hepatic renal function. These findings demonstrated, for first time, that modulated cord. Since antinociception occurred parallel oxidative may have contributed D-induced antinociception.