Anxiolytic effects of the novel α2δ ligand mirogabalin in a rat model of chronic constriction injury, an experimental model of neuropathic pain

Rationale Psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression are frequently observed in neuropathic pain patients, and negatively impact their quality of life. Mirogabalin is a novel ligand for the α 2 δ subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels and has unique binding characteristics to α 2 δ subunits and potent and long-lasting analgesic effects in neuropathic pain models. Objectives To provide further information on the pharmacological profile of mirogabalin and its utility for chronic pain therapy, we investigated its anxiolytic effects in an experimental animal model for neuropathic pain. Methods In chronic constriction injury (CCI) model rats, mechanical hypersensitivity was determined by the von Frey test. Anxiety- and depression-related behaviours were evaluated using the elevated plus maze test and forced swimming test, respectively. Results CCI model rats showed sustained tactile allodynia followed by anxiety-related behaviours, not depression-related behaviours. The tactile allodynia (significant decreases in paw withdrawal threshold) developed within 2 weeks after model preparation, whereas the anxiety-related behaviours (significant decreases in the number of entries and time spent in open arms and significant increases in time spent in closed arms) were observed at 5 weeks but not 4 weeks after model preparation. Single oral administration of mirogabalin (3 or 10 mg/kg) dose-dependently alleviated the above-mentioned anxiety-related behaviours and tactile allodynia. Conclusions CCI model rats showed anxiety-related behaviours in a time-dependent manner in the elevated plus maze test. Mirogabalin alleviated both the anxiety-related behaviours and tactile allodynia in CCI model rats. Mirogabalin may provide effective anxiety relief as well as pain relief in patients with neuropathic pain.