Mechanisms of emotional fear memory and dental pain

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We measured hippocampal blood flow(HBF) in rats using laser Doppler flowmetry and examined the effects of etodolac, a specific cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) inhibitor, on HBF responses. The HBF response was significantly attenuated by etodolac(10mg/kg) administration. These results suggest that COX-2 may be involved in the mechanisms regulating tooth pulp stimulation(TPS)-induced HBF responses.Next, we have monitored changes the levels of plasma chathecoleamin(CA) and corticosterone during TPS. The stress-induced increase in CA and corticosterone were inhibited by the repeat of TPS. When naloxone, an opioid antagonist, was administrated before TPS, the effects of the repeat of TPS on stress responses were reduced. Therefore, we are suggested that the repeat of TPS has suppressive effects on the stress responses through the mediation of an endogenous opioid.