Pavlakovic G, Tigges J, Crozier TA
Effect of buspirone on thermal sensory and pain thresholds in human volunteers. [JOURNAL ARTICLE]
BMC Clin Pharmacol 2009 May 29; 9(1):12.
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND: Buspirone is a partial 5-HT1A receptor agonist. Animal studies have shown that modulation of serotoninergic transmission at the 5-HT1A receptor can induce analgesia in acute pain models. However, no studies have been published so far on the effects of serotonin receptor agonists on pain perception in humans.
METHODS: The effects of buspirone (30 mg p.o.) on thermal sensory and pain thresholds were investigated in twelve female volunteers (26 +/- 2 yrs) in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled study with morphine (10 mg i.v.) as positive control.
RESULTS: Morphine significantly increased the heat pain detection threshold (delta T: placebo 1.0 C and 1.3 C, p < 0.05) at 60 minutes. Buspirone caused mild sedation in six participants at 60 minutes, but was without effect on any of the measured parameters.
CONCLUSIONS: Buspirone in the maximal recommended dose was without significant effect on thermal pain. However, as it is only a partial agonist at the 5-HT1A receptor and also acts on other receptor types, the negative results of the present study do not rule out a possible analgesic effect of more specific 5-HT1A receptor agonists.
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