53: Therapeutic Investigation of Amantadine in Burn-Induced Chronic Pain

Topic: Basic Science
Subtopic: Pain category (ICD-11), Chronic neuropathic pain, , , , , , , , , , Behavioral studies

Background and Aims: This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of amantadine in alleviating chronic pain caused by burn injuries (BI) in a rat model. It focused on key pain mechanisms, oxidative stress, and CNS safety to evaluate its efficacy and safety profile.

Methods: Pain-related behavioral assessments included the Von Frey test for mechanical allodynia, Hargraves test for thermal hyperalgesia, Acetone drop test for cold allodynia, and Ice floor test for cold hyperalgesia. Open field and Rota-rod tests were conducted to assess CNS toxicity and locomotor function. Oxido-nitrosative stress was evaluated in sciatic nerve tissues. Protein expression of NR2B, ICAM-1, and IBA-1 was measured using Western blotting, while CGRP and TRPV1 expression was analyzed via RT-PCR.

Results: Amantadine treatment significantly reduced hypersensitivity to mechanical, thermal, and cold stimuli in BI rats. It restored oxido-nitrosative balance in sciatic nerve tissues and decreased the expression of TRPV1 and CGRP. Additionally, amantadine lowered the expression of NR2B, ICAM-1, and IBA-1 in spinal cord tissues, indicating reduced nociceptor activation and microglial inflammation. Importantly, no CNS toxicity or locomotor impairments were observed in the treated animals.

Conclusions: Amantadine demonstrates significant potential as a therapeutic agent for managing chronic pain in BI. By targeting key pain pathways, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation without CNS side effects, amantadine provides a promising approach for improving pain management in BI patients. These findings support further research into its clinical applications.

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Presenting Author: Vaibhav Thakur
Submitting Author: Vaibhav Thakur

Senior Author: Dr Vinod Tiwari

IASP 2026 Global Year theme of Neuropathic Pain: Yes

• Anuj Mehta: MPharm - Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi
• Obulapathi Ummadisetty: PhD - Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi