Figure 3. Influence of GR-agonist/antagonist treatment and CCI on mechanical pain thresholds.

Treatment of the animals with either GR agonist dexamethasone (DEX), GR antagonist RU-486 (RU), or vehicle (CON) did not change the mechanical sensitivity per se. Chronic constriction injury (CCI) resulted in an increase of pain sensitivity in all three groups. Dexamethasone receiving rats were more sensitive to mechanical stimulation than RU-486 injected rats up to seven days post surgery. Data of the right affected paw are presented as percentage of the left control paw (mean ± s.e.m.). Asterisks indicate a significant difference between the DEX and RU group for the individual time point (* p<0.05, ** p<0.01).