Pregabalin and gabapentin inhibit substance P-induced NF-kappaB activation in neuroblastoma and glioma cells.

Pregabalin and gabapentin are lipophilic amino acid derivatives of gamma-amino butyric acid that show anticonvulsant and analgesic activity against neuropathic pain. In this study, we investigated their actions on substance P-induced NF-kappaB activation in human neuroblastoma and rat glioma cells. Pregabalin and gabapentin decreased substance P-induced NF-kappaB activation in these cells. These drugs also inhibited NF-kappaB activation in rat spinal dorsal root ganglia cells pre-treated in vitro with substance P. These results suggest a previously undefined role of pregabalin and gabapentin in the regulation of inflammation-related intracellular signaling in both neuronal and glial cells. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.