Metoclopramide is an antagonist that is selective of dopamine DA2-receptors. In high doses it appears to have antagonist properties also towards DA1 receptors. It has been demonstrated that the dopaminergic system is closely correlated to opioid actions; in particular it has been observed that the destruction of DA2 receptors in rats increases analgesia by μ and k1 agonists. The role of dopamine on acupuncture-induced analgesia is not fully defined; the data available is scarce and contrasting.
The aim of the present study was to verify whether the administration of metoclopramide potentiates the analgesic efficacy of manual and electro-acupuncture in the rats
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