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Phenylquinone Writhing Test : Interpretation of Data

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Abstract

THE antagonism of phenylquinone (2-phenyl-1,4-benzoquinone)-induced writhing in mice has been recommended for investigating weak analgesic activity of new compounds1,2, but the non-specificity of this test has been emphasized by Hendershot and Forsaith3. Many compounds not considered to be analgesics, for example, parasympathomimetics, sympathomimetics and central nervous system stimulants, protect mice against the writhing induced by phenylquinone. During the routine pharmacological screening of new compounds, we observed an apparent correlation between in vitro anti-5-hydroxytryptamine activity and the ability of a compound to antagonize phenylquinone-induced writhing. Therefore, to determine more precisely the value of this test in a routine screening programme, it was decided to investigate in more detail the writhing response and its modification by compounds and procedures known to affect the activity and metabolism of biogenic amines.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Division, Allen and Hanburys, Ltd., Ware, Hertfordshire

    R. T. BRITTAIN, D. N. LEHRER & P. S. J. SPENCER

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  1. R. T. BRITTAIN
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  2. D. N. LEHRER
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  3. P. S. J. SPENCER
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BRITTAIN, R., LEHRER, D. & SPENCER, P. Phenylquinone Writhing Test : Interpretation of Data. Nature 200, 895–896 (1963). https://doi.org/10.1038/200895b0

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