Table 1

Stimulating current (mA) required for threshold activation of C-fiber evoked reflex responses in normal and monoarthritic rats treated with propentofylline (10 μg/10 μl daily) or saline (10 μl daily) during 10 days

Saline treated

Propentofylline treated

Normal

6.3 ± 0.4

8.2 ± 0.5*

Monoarthritic

3.7 ± 0.6^#

7.5 ± 0.7*

Values are means ± standard error the mean of stimulating current required (in mA) in the NS, MS, NP and MP groups. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) identified the propentofylline treatment (P ANOVA < 0.0001, F = 25.79) and the monoarthritic condition (P = 0.0065, F = 8.64) as significant factors influencing the stimulating current required for threshold activation of the C-reflex. No propentofylline treatment × monoarthritic condition interaction was observed (P ANOVA = 0.1016, F = 2.87). Significant differences (P < 0.01) between propentofylline- and saline-treated groups are denoted by asterisks, while significant differences between monoarthritic and normal groups (P < 0.01) are indicated by the superscript # (according to the Bonferroni post hoc test). n = 8 animals for each group.

NP = normal rats receiving intrathecal propentofylline; NS = normal rats receiving intrathecal saline; MP = monoarthritic rats receiving intrathecal propentofylline; MS = monoarthritic rats receiving intrathecal saline.

Constandil et al. Arthritis Research & Therapy 2009 11:R105   doi:10.1186/ar2756