Abstract
Summary
1. Histamine is probably not a basic cause of writhing in the mouse. 2. It is possible that 5-HT may be a basic etiologic agent but, if true, the usual releasers of 5-HT do not so function in the mouse. 3. Acidity of injected solution per se is probably not etiologic. 4. It is worth considering that phenylquinone, HCl, serotonin, and L-1935 may release some substance other than histamine, serotonin, heparin, or bradykinin which in turn may incite writhing. 5. Direct irritation of nerve endings remains as a distinct causative possibility. 6. In screening for analgesics, both opiate and non-opiate types, phenylquinone and HCl are most useful of writhing agents tried, in eliminating the possibility of false positives. Phenylquinone may be preferable because of its greater duration of action.
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