Ghrelin exerts analgesic effects through modulation of IL-10 and TGF-beta levels in a rat model of inflammatory pain

ABSTRACT

Background: Ghrelin is a peptide with attenuating effect on inflammatory pain. Both anti- and pro-inflammatory mediators have a role in the nociception and development of pain and hyperalgesia. IL-10 and TGF-beta are anti-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines related to peripheral and central inflammatory pain. In this study, the effects of i.p. injection of ghrelin on the early and the late phases of pain, as well as serum levels of IL-10 and TGF-beta, as anti-inflammatory cytokines, were investigated in formalin-induced pain in male rats