Evidence for the involvement of nitric oxide in the antinociceptive effect of ketorolac.

The involvement of nitric oxide in the antinociception produced by ketorolac was assessed using the pain-induced functional impairment model in the rat: 800 micrograms of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis, or saline was injected intra-articularly in a hind limb joint previously injured with uric acid. Animals then received ketorolac, dipyrone or no drug. Ketorolac and dipyrone produced a significant antinociceptive effect which was reduced by pretreatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, but not with saline. It is concluded that the antinociceptive effect of both drugs involves the local participation of nitric oxide.