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01-12-2007 | Review Article

Acetyl-L-Carnitine in Neuropathic Pain

Experimental Data

Authors: Santina Chiechio, Agata Copani, Robert W. Gereau IV, Ferdinando Nicoletti

Published in: CNS Drugs | Special Issue 1/2007

Abstract

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) has gained clinical interest for its analgesic effect in different forms of neuropathies associated with chronic pain, such as diabetic and HIV-related peripheral neuropathies. The antinociceptive effect of ALC has been confirmed in several experimental models of neuropathic pain, including streptozotocin- and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, and the sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury model. In these models, prophylactic administration of ALC has proven to be effective in preventing the development of neuropathic pain. In addition, ALC is known to produce a strong antinociceptive effect when given after neuropathic pain has been established. ALC can also improve the function of peripheral nerves by increasing nerve conduction velocity, reducing sensory neuronal loss, and promoting nerve regeneration.

Analgesia requires repeated administrations of ALC, suggesting that the drug regulates neuroplasticity across the pain neuraxis. Recent evidence indicates that ALC regulates processes that go beyond its classical role in energy metabolism. These processes involve the activation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors in the forebrain, and an increased expression of type-2 metabotropic glutamate (mGlu2) receptors in dorsal root ganglia neurons. Induction of mGlu2 receptors is mediated by acetylation mechanisms that involve transcription factors of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB family.

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Title: Acetyl-L-Carnitine in Neuropathic Pain
Experimental Data
Authors: Santina Chiechio
Agata Copani
Robert W. Gereau IV
Ferdinando Nicoletti
Publication date: 01-12-2007
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: CNS Drugs / Issue Special Issue 1/2007
Print ISSN: 1172-7047
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1934
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00023210-200721001-00005

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Acetyl-L-Carnitine in Neuropathic Pain

Experimental Data

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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Other articles of this Special Issue 1/2007

Acetyl-L-Carnitine in HIV-Associated Antiretroviral Toxic Neuropathy

Acetyl-L-Carnitine in Diabetic Polyneuropathy

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Acetyl-L-Carnitine for the Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Overview on Pathophysiology and Newer Approaches to Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathies

Summary and Conclusions