The additive effect between bupropion and citicoline upon induction of anti-nociceptive effect in nerve-ligated mice.

Objectives: Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant that shows robust efficacy in the regulation of neuropathic pain. Citicoline is a dietary supplement which is used as a neuroprotective agent for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The probable interaction between bupropion and citicoline on neuropathic pain was assessed in male mice.

Methods: Neuropathic pain was induced by sciatic nerve ligation. Neuropathic pain was examined in nerve-ligated mice using tail-flick and hot-plate tests.

Results: The results indicated that intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of citicoline (50 and 100 mg/kg) induced an anti-nociceptive effect in nerve-ligated animals. Similarly, i.p. injection of bupropion (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) induced anti-nociceptive effects in nerve-ligated mice. Co-administration of different doses of bupropion (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) along with a low dose of citicoline (25 mg/kg) caused an anti-nociceptive effect by enhancement of tail-flick and hot plate latencies. Interestingly, there is an additive effect between bupropion and citicoline upon the induction of the anti-nociceptive effect.

Conclusions: Based on these results, it can be concluded that there is an interaction between bupropion and citicoline upon induction of an anti-nociceptive effect in nerve-ligated mice.