[The role of the NMDA-receptor blocker and stimulator ketamine and glycine in the development of a neuropathic pain syndrome]

Abstract

The effect of glycine, ketamine, and their combination in chronic oral administration was studied on a model of the neuropathic pain syndrome. Glycine failed to prevent the pain syndrome but had a therapeutic effect. Ketamine possessed a marked preventive and therapeutic effect. In combined administration the drugs mutually potentiated their action. The effect of glycine and ketamine is based on intensification of spinal glycinergic inhibition, differently directed effect on the NMDA receptors, and intensification of monoaminergic inhibition.