Treatment for enhancing joint lubrication

The present invention is directed to a method of altering the amount or composition of synovial fluids secreted from joints in a subject in need of such treatment. The method comprises administering to a subject a nicotinic receptor agonist such as nicotine, transmetanicotine, epibatidine, lobeline, and imidacloprid; analogs of such nicotinic agonists; and pyridol and para-alkylthiophenol derivatives in an amount effective to stimulate synovial secretions. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of their production and administration are also disclosed. The invention is useful for treating disorders associated with joint stiffness, including but not limited to, osteoarthritis and following arthroplastic surgery. Preferred compounds are selected from nicotine, anabasine, 5-ethynylnicotine, trans-metanicotine, 3-ethoxy trans-metanicotine, epibatidine derivatives, ABT-089, ABT-594, SIB-1553A, lobeline analogues, ABT-418, DMXB, DBO-083, imidacloprid and desnitro-imidacloprid.