Evaluation of the noradrenergic pathway and alpha-2 and beta-receptors in the modulation of the analgesia induced by transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation of high and low frequencies

Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation is a noninvasive method used in clinical Physiotherapy to control acute or chronic pain. Different theories have been proposed to explain the mechanism of the analgesic action of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, as the participation of central and peripheral neurotransmitters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the involvement of noradrenergic pathway and of the receptors alfa-2 and beta in the modulation of analgesia produced by transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation of high and low frequency in Wistar rats after chronic treatment with propranolol or yohimbine intraperitoneally. Animals weighing 200 to 300 g were divided into 9 groups (n=8), which were obtained nociceptive thresholds through the Tail Flick before and after application of TENS for comparing the change of pain. The administration of yohimbine or propranolol at a dose of 3 mg/kg was effective in antagonizing the analgesia induced by high (150 Hz) and low (10 Hz) frequency transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation according to ANOVA test followed by Duncan post hoc test (p<0.05). Thus, it is suggested the involvement of alpha-2 and beta noradrenergic receptors in the modulation of transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation-induced analgesia.