RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the analgesic effect of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and sodium channel 1.7 (Nav1.7) expression in the trigeminal ganglion (TG). METHODS: Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation was induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in female rats. Ibuprofen, diclofenac sodium and meloxicam were given intragastrically before induction of TMJ inflammation. Histopathological evaluation and scoring of TMJ inflammation was used to evaluate the level of inflammation. The head withdrawal threshold and food intake were measured to evaluate TMJ nociceptive responses. The mRNA and protein expression of trigeminal ganglionic Nav1.7 was examined using real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. RESULTS: Twenty-four hours after the injection of CFA into the TMJs, NSAIDs attenuated hyperalgesia of inflamed TMJ and simultaneously blocked inflammation-induced upregulation of Nav1.7 mRNA and protein expression in the TG. However, ibuprofen and diclofenac sodium slightly attenuated TMJ inflammation and meloxicam did not affect TMJ inflammation. CONCLUSION: Attenuation of hyperalgesia of inflamed TMJ by NSAIDs might be associated with their role in blocking upregulation of trigeminal ganglionic Nav1.7.