We investigated the effects of intrathecal (i.t.) lidocaine, inhalation sevoflurane, and a combination of i.t, lidocaine and sevoflurane on the formalin test in rats. Group 1 (control) received i.t. saline 10 mu l. Groups 2 and 3 received i.t, lidocaine 200 mu g and 400 mu g, respectively. Groups 4-6 received 1.2%, 2.4% and 3.6% sevoflurane, respectively. Interaction of drugs was analyzed using a dose addition model. Group 7 received i.t, lidocaine 200 mu g and 1.2% sevoflurane. The biphasic behavioral activity of the hindpaw of rats was observed. This study showed that i.t. lidocaine or inhalation sevoflurane before formalin injection, significantly suppressed the behavioral activity of the hindpaw of rats, and that this suppression was significantly potentiated by the co-administration of i.t. lidocaine and inhalation sevoflurane. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.