Table 2.

Persistent inflammation does not alter the number (Bmax) or affinity (Kd) of α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the rostral ventromedial medulla.

TreatmentBmax, fmol/mg proteinKd, pm
4 h
    Saline22.5 ± 2.012.5 ± 2.4
    CFA23.6 ± 0.513.7 ± 0.7
4 d
    Saline19.4 ± 2.112.5 ± 4.2
    CFA20.0 ± 1.412.3 ± 1.6
2 weeks
    Saline20.0 ± 1.111.1 ± 2.0
    CFA18.9 ± 2.69.8 ± 3.6
  • Saturation isotherms were generated for the binding of [3H]epibatidine in membrane homogenates prepared from rats 4 h, 4 d, or 2 weeks after intraplantar injection of saline or CFA. Values represent the mean ± SEM. of three to five independent experiments. Two-way ANOVA (treatment × time) for each binding parameter identified no statistical differences.