Antinociceptive effect of phenyl N-tert-butylnitrone, a free radical scavenger, on the rat formalin test

Background Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide, and nitroperoxide, cause oxidative stress which interferes with normal cell functioning, resulting in cell damage. It is reported to be associated with chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain, and inflammatory pain. ROS is also closely related to central sensitization. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the effects of Phenyl N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN), an ROS scavenger, in acute, continuous, and increasing pain caused by central sensitization.