Effect of thymoquinone on acetic acid-induced visceral nociception in rats: role of central cannabinoid and α2-adrenergic receptors

Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main biologically active substance of Nigella sativa (black seeds). It has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidative and anti-nociceptive properties. This study was aimed to explore the effect of TQ on acetic acid-induced visceral nociception. The central mechanisms of the effect of TQ were investigated using cannabinergic (AM251) and α2-adrenergic (yohimbine [Yoh]) antagonists. The lateral ventricle of the brain was cannulated for intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections. Visceral nociception was induced by intra-peritoneal (IP) injection of acetic acid (1.00% in a volume of 1.00 mL). Measuring the latency time to the first writhing appearance and counting the number of writhing in 5-min intervals for a period of 60 min were performed. Locomotor activity was determined using an open-field test. Oral administration (PO) of 2.50 and 10.00 mg kg-1 TQ increased the latency time to the first writhing appearance and decreased the number of writhing. The AM251 (5.00 µg per rat; ICV) and Yoh (5.00 µg per rat; ICV) partially prevented TQ (10.00 mg kg-1; PO)-induced anti-nociception. Locomotor activity was not altered by these treatments. The results of the present study showed that TQ had the ability to reduce visceral nociception caused by IP injection of acetic acid. The central mechanisms of this action of TQ might be partially mediated by cannabinergic and α2-adrenegic receptors.