Formalin test : Assay for anti-nociceptive drugs screening

Newsletter # 29



Animal models

The Formalin test in mice is considered to better mirror clinical conditions of pain than tests that use a brief and high intensity mechanical or thermal stimulation and measure spinal-mediated reflex responses.
Indeed, as in the clinical setting, the pain induced by the injection of dilute formalin solution is persistent (tonic) and comprises neurogenic and inflammatory components.

Formalin test is widely used for the screening of compounds with potential antinociceptive or analgesic effects.

NEUROFIT is routinely conducting formalin test for its customers.

  • The injection of dilute formalin into a mouse footpad elicits a typical biphasic nociceptive behaviour :

  • an early transient phase (0 - 5min) which is believed to be a consequence of direct stimulation of sensory nerve fibers and ...

    Morphin but not Gabapentin markedly reduces the early phase nociceptive response to Formalin.
    *, p < 0.05 as compared to untreated Formaline group

  • a late tonic phase (15 - 45min) which is believed to be a result of inflammatory response to Formalin-induced tissue injury

    Both Morphin and Gabapentin markedly suppress the late nociceptive response to Formalin.
    *, p < 0.05 as compared to the untreated Formaline group


NEUROFIT offers a range of validated in vitro and in vivo screening tests for psychiatry and neurology.

If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us, we will reply within few days. Custom protocol

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