Quantitative and fiber-selective evaluation of dose-dependent nerve blockade by intrathecal lidocaine in rats.

We investigated whether cutaneous stimulus threshold (CST), as determined using a Neurometer, could be used for quantitative and differential nerve evaluation of reversible and irreversible nerve block following intrathecal lidocaine administration in rats. Rats with intrathecal catheters were randomly assigned to one of five groups (saline or 2, 5, 10, or 20% lidocaine). Prior to and 4 days after drug administration, CST was determined at 5, 250, and 2000 Hz. In the 2% lidocaine group, CST from end of lidocaine infusion to recovery from anesthesia was also monitored. Skin-clamp testing and gait observation were performed for comparison with CST findings. Behavioral examinations revealed persistent sensory or motor impairment lasting 4 days in groups receiving >/=5% lidocaine but not in the saline and 2% lidocaine groups. With 2% lidocaine, return to baseline CSTs at 5 and 250 Hz was delayed compared with thresholds at 2000 Hz. Although CSTs in the 5% group at 5 and 250 Hz increased significantly, thresholds at 2000 Hz did not differ from those in rats administered saline. CSTs with >/=10% lidocaine displayed no differences between frequencies. At each frequency, CSTs for rats with >/=5% lidocaine increased in a clearly concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that CST testing enables evaluation of the different nerve functions for Abeta, Adelta, and C fibers in rats for lidocaine concentrations </=5% and allows quantitative assessment of persistent neurological deficit induced by lidocaine in rats.