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Michaeli Izak E, Kodesh E, Weissman-Fogel I. Vagal tone, pain sensitivity and exercise-induced hypoalgesia: The effect of physical activity level. Eur J Pain 2024. [PMID: 38606718 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vagal activity has analgesic effects that are attributed to exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH). High vagal tone and low pain sensitivity are reported in individuals who routinely exercise yet, their association is unclear. Furthermore, it is unknown if the heightened vagal tone following high physical activity predicts and intensifies EIH. METHODS Fifty-one healthy participants (27 low-moderately physically active; 27 females) underwent a resting-state electrocardiogram followed by heart rate variability analysis. Pain measurements, including pressure (PPT) and heat (HPT) pain thresholds, ratings of tonic heat pain (THP) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) paradigm, were conducted pre- and post-exercise on a cycle ergometer. RESULTS The highly active group demonstrated higher vagal tone compared to the low-moderately active (root mean square of successive differences between R-R intervals: 63.96.92 vs. 34.78 ms, p = 0.018; percentage of successive R-R intervals that exceed 50 ms: 24.41 vs. 11.52%, p = 0.012). Based on repeated-measure ANOVA, the highly active group showed higher PPT at pre-exercise, compared to the low-moderately active group (382 kPa vs. 327 kPa; p = 0.007). Post-exercise, both groups demonstrated EIH, increased HPT (p = 0.013) and decreased THP ratings (p < 0.001). Linear regression revealed that only in the low-moderately active group, higher vagal tone was associated with more efficient pre-exercise CPM and a greater reduction in THP ratings post-exercise (p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Highly active individuals demonstrate greater vagal tone and lower pain sensitivity but no greater EIH. Vagal tone moderates pain inhibition efficiency and EIH only in low-moderately active individuals. These findings suggest that physical activity level moderates the vagal-pain association via the endogenous analgesia system. SIGNIFICANCE Highly physically active individuals exhibit greater vagal tone and reduced sensitivity to experimental pain, yet they do not benefit more from exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) compared to low-moderately active individuals. Moreover, low-moderately active individuals with greater vagal tone exhibited more efficient endogenous pain inhibition and greater EIH, suggestive of the moderation effect of physical activity level on vagal-pain associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ela Michaeli Izak
- Physical Therapy Department, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Einat Kodesh
- Physical Therapy Department, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Irit Weissman-Fogel
- Physical Therapy Department, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Prod'homme C, Werbrouck X, Pierrat M, Chevalier L, Lesaffre H, Pasqualini C, Touzet L. Dexmedetomidine and clonidine in palliative medicine: multicentric qualitative evaluation. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024; 13:e876-e880. [PMID: 37076261 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2023-004193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Alpha-2 agonists have analgesic and sedative properties that can prove interesting in palliative care. The main objective of this study was to describe the use of clonidine and dexmedetomidine in palliative care units (PCU). The secondary objective was to identify physicians' perspectives and attitudes toward alpha-2-agonists. METHODS International multicentric qualitative survey of prescribing characteristics and attitudes towards alpha-2 agonist. All 159 PCUs in France, Belgium and French-speaking Switzerland were contacted, and 142 physicians answered the questionnaire (31% participation). RESULTS 20% of the practitioners surveyed prescribe these molecules are mainly for analgesic and sedative indications. There was considerable heterogeneity in the modalities and dosages of administration. The use of clonidine is more frequent and common in Belgium, while dexmedetomidine is only used in France. There is a high level of satisfaction among practitioners who use these molecules, with the desire of the majority of respondents to obtain additional studies and information on alpha-2-agonists. CONCLUSION Alpha-2 agonists are little known and little prescribed by French-speaking palliative care physicians but are of interest because of their potential in this field. Phase 3 studies could justify the use of these molecules in palliative situations and would contribute to harmonising professional practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Prod'homme
- Departement of Palliative Care, Regional and University Hospital Centre Lille, Lille, France
- ULR 2694 METRICS, University of Lille, Lille, Hauts-de-France, France
| | - Xavier Werbrouck
- Departement of Palliative Care, Regional and University Hospital Centre Lille, Lille, France
| | - Magali Pierrat
- Departement of Palliative Care, Regional and University Hospital Centre Lille, Lille, France
| | - Luc Chevalier
- Departement of Palliative Care, Regional and University Hospital Centre Lille, Lille, France
| | - Helene Lesaffre
- Departement of Palliative Care, Regional and University Hospital Centre Lille, Lille, France
| | - Claire Pasqualini
- Departement of Palliative Care, Regional and University Hospital Centre Lille, Lille, France
| | - Licia Touzet
- Departement of Palliative Care, Regional and University Hospital Centre Lille, Lille, France
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Sirucek L, Ganley RP, Zeilhofer HU, Schweinhardt P. Diffuse noxious inhibitory controls and conditioned pain modulation: a shared neurobiology within the descending pain inhibitory system? Pain 2023; 164:463-468. [PMID: 36017879 PMCID: PMC9916052 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sirucek
- Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Integrative Spinal Research Group, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert Philip Ganley
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Hanns Ulrich Zeilhofer
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Petra Schweinhardt
- Department of Chiropractic Medicine, Integrative Spinal Research Group, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Szikszay TM, Adamczyk WM, Panskus J, Heimes L, David C, Gouverneur P, Luedtke K. Psychological mechanisms of offset analgesia: The effect of expectancy manipulation. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280579. [PMID: 36649306 PMCID: PMC9844857 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A frequently used paradigm to quantify endogenous pain modulation is offset analgesia, which is defined as a disproportionate large reduction in pain following a small decrease in a heat stimulus. The aim of this study was to determine whether suggestion influences the magnitude of offset analgesia in healthy participants. A total of 97 participants were randomized into three groups (hypoalgesic group, hyperalgesic group, control group). All participants received four heat stimuli (two constant trials and two offset trials) to the ventral, non-dominant forearm while they were asked to rate their perceived pain using a computerized visual analogue scale. In addition, electrodermal activity was measured during each heat stimulus. Participants in both intervention groups were given a visual and verbal suggestion about the expected pain response in an hypoalgesic and hyperalgesic manner. The control group received no suggestion. In all groups, significant offset analgesia was provoked, indicated by reduced pain ratings (p < 0.001) and enhanced electrodermal activity level (p < 0.01). A significant group difference in the magnitude of offset analgesia was found between the three groups (F[2,94] = 4.81, p < 0.05). Participants in the hyperalgesic group perceived significantly more pain than the hypoalgesic group (p = 0.031) and the control group (p < 0.05). However, the electrodermal activity data did not replicate this trend (p > 0.05). The results of this study indicate that suggestion can be effective to reduce but not increase endogenous pain modulation quantified by offset analgesia in healthy participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor M Szikszay
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), Universität zu Lübeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Waclaw M Adamczyk
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), Universität zu Lübeck, Luebeck, Germany.,Laboratory of Pain Research, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
| | - Janina Panskus
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), Universität zu Lübeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Lotte Heimes
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), Universität zu Lübeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Carolin David
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), Universität zu Lübeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Philip Gouverneur
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Kerstin Luedtke
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), Universität zu Lübeck, Luebeck, Germany
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Adamczyk WM, Szikszay TM, Nahman-Averbuch H, Skalski J, Nastaj J, Gouverneur P, Luedtke K. To Calibrate or not to Calibrate? A Methodological Dilemma in Experimental Pain Research. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2022; 23:1823-1832. [PMID: 35918020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
To calibrate or not to calibrate? This question is raised by almost everyone designing an experimental pain study with supra-threshold stimulation. The dilemma is whether to individualize stimulus intensity to the pain threshold / supra-threshold pain level of each participant or whether to provide the noxious stimulus at a fixed intensity so that everyone receives the identical input. Each approach has unique pros and cons which need to be considered to i) accurately design an experiment, ii) enhance statistical inference in the given data and, iii) reduce bias and the influence of confounding factors in the individual study e.g., body composition, differences in energy absorption and previous experience. Individualization requires calibration, a procedure already irritating the nociceptive system but allowing to match the pain level across individuals. It leads to a higher variability of the stimulus intensity, thereby influencing the encoding of "noxiousness" by the central nervous system. Results might be less influenced by statistical phenomena such as ceiling/floor effects and the approach does not seem to rise ethical concerns. On the other hand, applying a fixed (standardized) intensity reduces the problem of intensity encoding leading to a large between-subjects variability in pain responses. Fixed stimulation intensities do not require pre-exposure. It can be proposed that one method is not preferable over another, however the choice depends on the study aim and the desired level of external validity. This paper discusses considerations for choosing the optimal approach for experimental pain studies and provides recommendations for different study designs. PERSPECTIVE: To calibrate pain or not? This dilemma is related to almost every experimental pain research. The decision is a trade-off between statistical power and greater control of stimulus encoding. The article decomposes both approaches and presents the pros and cons of either approach supported by data and simulation experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waclaw M Adamczyk
- Laboratory of Pain Research, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland; Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain & Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Tibor M Szikszay
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain & Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hadas Nahman-Averbuch
- Washington University Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jacek Skalski
- Laboratory of Pain Research, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
| | - Jakub Nastaj
- Laboratory of Pain Research, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
| | - Philip Gouverneur
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Kerstin Luedtke
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain & Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Sex-Related Effects of Adrenergic Drugs on Conditioned Pain Modulation: A Randomized Controlled Cross-Over Double-Blind Trial. Pain Res Manag 2022; 2022:2757101. [PMID: 36339068 PMCID: PMC9629924 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2757101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective Endogenous pain inhibition can be investigated using conditioned pain modulation (CPM). CPM efficacy has been reported to be influenced by various factors, such as gender and cardiovascular (autonomic) activity. The aim of this study is to describe the effect of pharmacological manipulations of autonomic activity on CPM efficacy. Methods Thirty healthy participants were enrolled to assess CPM efficacy in 4 experimental sessions. The first session consisted of the determination of baseline CPM effectiveness. The three following sessions were performed in a randomized order and consisted of the injection of (1) esmolol, (2) ephedrine, or (3) placebo, before the conditioning stimulus. Pain intensity induced by using a contact heat stimulation thermode was compared before and after a cold-pressure conditioning stimulus to evaluate CPM effectiveness. Results Our results show that inhibiting sympathetic nervous activity with esmolol did not have a significant effect on CPM. Conversely, enhancing sympathetic nervous activity with ephedrine increased CPM effectiveness in healthy women but decreased it in men. Conclusions Increasing sympathetic activity with adrenergic agonists, such as ephedrine, could improve CPM effectiveness in women. It will be interesting to verify if the same results are present in patients suffering from chronic pain and if adrenergic agonists could have better therapeutic effects in women showing reduced CPM effectiveness.
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7
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Szikszay TM, Adamczyk WM, Lévénez JLM, Gouverneur P, Luedtke K. Temporal properties of pain contrast enhancement using repetitive stimulation. Eur J Pain 2022; 26:1437-1447. [PMID: 35535976 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Offset analgesia (OA) is characterized by a disproportionately large reduction in pain following a small decrease in noxious stimulation and is based on temporal pain contrast enhancement (TPCE). The underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon are still poorly understood. This study is aiming to investigate whether TPCE can also be induced by repetitive stimulation, i.e., by stimuli clearly separated in time. METHODS A repetitive TPCE paradigm was induced in healthy, pain-free subjects (n = 33) using heat stimuli. Three different interstimulus intervals (ISIs) were used: 5, 15, and 25 seconds. All paradigms were contrasted with a control paradigm without temperature change. Participants continuously rated perceived pain intensity. In addition, electrodermal activity (EDA) was recorded as a surrogate measure of autonomic arousal. RESULTS Temporal pain contrast enhancement was confirmed for ISI 5 seconds (p < 0.001) and ISI 15 seconds (p = 0.005) but not for ISI 25 seconds (p = 0.07), however, the magnitude of TPCE did not differ between ISIs (p = 0.11). A TPCE-like effect was also detected with increased EDA values. CONCLUSIONS TPCE can be induced by repetitive stimulation. This finding may be explained by a combination of the mechanisms underlying the OA and a facilitated pain habituation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor M Szikszay
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), Universitaet zu Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Waclaw M Adamczyk
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), Universitaet zu Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany.,Laboratory of Pain Research, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
| | - Juliette L M Lévénez
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), Universitaet zu Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Philip Gouverneur
- Institute of Medical Informatics, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Kerstin Luedtke
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), Universitaet zu Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
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8
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Larsen DB, Uth XJ, Arendt-Nielsen L, Petersen KK. Modulation of offset analgesia in patients with chronic pain and healthy subjects - a systematic review and meta-analysis. Scand J Pain 2022; 22:14-25. [PMID: 34644466 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2021-0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Offset analgesia (OA) induces a brief pain inhibition and studies suggest OA impairment in patients with chronic pain when compared to healthy subjects. Conditioned pain modulation remains the most studied descending pain inhibitory control mechanism and is modulated by centrally-acting analgesics. Since OA may be mediated by similar neural substrates as conditioned pain modulation, understanding if OA is a peripheral or central proxy of pain modulation is important. The modulatory effect of centrally-acting drugs on OA in healthy and chronic pain populations has not yet been systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed, and this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify studies employing interventions for modulating OA magnitude. METHODS A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library yielded 146 records of which 11 (172 healthy pain-free subjects, 106 chronic pain patients) were eligible for qualitative synthesis, and 10 for meta-analysis on overall modulatory effect of interventions on OA, and subgroup analysis of patients and healthy pain-free subjects. RESULTS Risk of bias was evident for study participation and study confounding in the included studies. Several different methods for assessing and calculating OA magnitude were identified, which may affect interpretability of findings and warrants standardization. The meta-analysis showed no modulatory effects on OA overall (standardized mean difference (SMD) [95%CI]: 0.04 [-0.22, 0.30], Z=0.29, p=0.77), or in the subgroup analysis for patients (SMD [95%CI]: -0.04 [-0.63, 0.71], Z=0.13, p=0.90) or healthy pain-free subjects (SMD [95%CI]: 0.01 [-0.21, 0.24], Z=0.11, p=0.91). Moderate to substantial heterogeneity was found for the overall analysis (I2=47%, p=0.03) and patient subgroup analysis (I2=75%, p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS The current systematic review and meta-analysis conclude that centrally-acting drugs and exercise do not influence OA. Evidence on the peripheral contribution to OA response requires further investigations. Preclinical models of OA should be established to identify the neurophysiology and -biology behind OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Boye Larsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Centre for Neuroplasticity and Pain, School of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Xenia Jørgensen Uth
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Centre for Neuroplasticity and Pain, School of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Centre for Neuroplasticity and Pain, School of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Kristian Kjær Petersen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Centre for Neuroplasticity and Pain, School of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Forte G, Troisi G, Pazzaglia M, Pascalis VD, Casagrande M. Heart Rate Variability and Pain: A Systematic Review. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12020153. [PMID: 35203917 PMCID: PMC8870705 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective: Heart rate variability (HRV) as an index of the autonomic nervous system appears to be related to reactivity to experimental pain stimuli. HRV could better explain the contributions of sympathetic and parasympathetic activity response to nociceptive stimulation. The aim of this study was to systematically review and synthesize the current evidence on HRV in relation to the experience of pain in experimental tasks. Databases and Data Treatment: Studies indexed in the PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, WebOfScience, and Scopus databases were reviewed for eligibility. Studies on the autonomic response (i.e., HRV) to experimentally induced pain in healthy adults were included. Different methods of pain induction were considered (e.g., thermal, pressure, and electrical). Data were synthesized considering the association between HRV and both pain induction and subjective measures of pain. Results: Seventy-one studies were included. The results underline significant change in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic nervous systems during the painful stimulation independent of the pain induction method. The autonomic reaction to pain could be affected by several factors, such as sex, age, body mass index, breathing patterns, the intensity of the stimulation, and the affective state. Moreover, an association between the autonomic nervous system and the subjective experience of pain was found. Higher parasympathetic activity was associated with better self-regulation capacities and, accordingly, a higher pain inhibition capacity. Conclusions: HRV appears to be a helpful marker to evaluate nociceptive response in experimentally induced pain. Future studies are also needed in clinical samples to understand better the interindividual changes of autonomic response due to pain stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Forte
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (V.D.P.)
- Body and Action Lab, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Giovanna Troisi
- Department of Clinical and Dynamic Psychology and Health Studies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mariella Pazzaglia
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (V.D.P.)
- Body and Action Lab, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Vilfredo De Pascalis
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (V.D.P.)
| | - Maria Casagrande
- Department of Clinical and Dynamic Psychology and Health Studies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: (G.F.); (M.C.)
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Szikszay TM, Lévénez JLM, von Selle J, Adamczyk WM, Luedtke K. Investigation of Correlations Between Pain Modulation Paradigms. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 22:2028-2036. [PMID: 33587117 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endogenous pain modulation can be quantified through the use of various paradigms. Commonly used paradigms include conditioned pain modulation (CPM), offset analgesia (OA), spatial summation of pain (SSP), and temporal summation of pain (TSP), which reflect spatial and temporal aspects of pro- and antinociceptive processing. Although these paradigms are regularly used and are of high clinical relevance, the underlying physiological mechanisms are not fully understood. DESIGN The aim of this study is therefore to assess the association between these paradigms by using comparable protocols and methodological approaches. SETTING University campus. SUBJECTS Healthy and pain-free volunteers (n = 48) underwent psychophysical assessment of CPM, OA, SSP, and TSP (random order) at the same body area (volar nondominant forearm) with individualized noxious stimuli. METHODS CPM included heat stimuli before, during, and after a noxious cold-water bath, whereas for OA, three heat stimuli were applied: baseline trial, offset trial, and constant trial. For the SSP paradigm, two differently sized heat stimulation areas were evaluated, whereas for TSP, the first and last stimulus of 10 consecutive short heat stimuli were assessed. A computerized visual analog scale was used to continuously evaluate pain intensity. The magnitudes of all associations between all paradigm pairs were analyzed with Spearman's correlation, and individual influencing factors were assessed with a multivariate linear regression model. RESULTS Weak to moderate correlations among all four paradigms were found (P > 0.05), and no distinct influencing factors were identified. CONCLUSIONS A limited association between pain modulation paradigms suggests that CPM, OA, SSP, and TSP assess distinct aspects of endogenous analgesia with different underlying physiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor M Szikszay
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany.,Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, Luebeck, Germany.,Laboratory of Pain Research, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
| | - Juliette L M Lévénez
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Janne von Selle
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Waclaw M Adamczyk
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany.,Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, Luebeck, Germany.,Laboratory of Pain Research, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
| | - Kerstin Luedtke
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P.E.R.L.), University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany.,Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, Luebeck, Germany.,Laboratory of Pain Research, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Spontaneous or experimentally induced high blood pressure (BP) is associated with reduced pain perception, known as BP-related hypoalgesia. Despite its clinical implications, such as the interference with early detection of myocardial infarction in 'at risk' groups, the size of the association between high BP and pain has not yet been quantified. Moreover, the distinct association between high BP and physiological or psychological components of pain has not yet been considered so far. The aim of this study was to overcome this gap by performing separate meta-analyses on nociceptive response versus quantifiable perceptual measures of pain in relation to high BP. METHODS PubMed and Web of Knowledge databases were searched for English language studies conducted in humans. Fifty-nine studies were eligible for the analyses. Pooled effect sizes (Hedges' g) were compared. Random effect models were used. Results show that higher BP is significantly associated with lower nociceptive response (g = 0.38; k = 6) and reduced pain perception, assessed by quantifiable measures (g = 0.48; k = 59). RESULTS The association between BP and pain perception, derived from highly heterogeneous studies, was characterized by significant publication bias. BP assessment, pain assessment, site of pain stimulation, percentage of female participants in the sample, and control for potential confounders were significant moderators. CONCLUSION Current meta-analytic results confirm the presence of BP-related hypoalgesia and point towards the need for a better understanding of its underlying mechanisms.
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Szikszay TM, Adamczyk WM, Hoegner A, Woermann N, Luedtke K. The effect of acute-experimental pain models on offset analgesia. Eur J Pain 2021; 25:1150-1161. [PMID: 33533139 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Offset analgesia (OA) is characterized by a disproportionately large decrease in pain perception after a slight decrease in noxious stimulation. In patients with ongoing pain, this response is reduced. The effect is pronounced in painful body areas. The influence of acute pain has not been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of two experimental acute pain models, measured within the area of acute pain and on the non-affected opposite side, thereby considering the possible somatotopic nature of OA. METHODS Healthy, pain-free volunteers (n = 75) were randomly assigned to one of three groups (cold water, exercise and control group). The 'cold water group' immersed one hand into cold water for 3 min (Cold Pressor Task), while the 'exercise group' performed an isometric grip exercise for 3 min. There was no manipulation in the control group. Each experimental pain stimulus was performed at both (dominant, non-dominant) forearms. The individualized OA paradigm consisted of offset and constant temperature trials. Offset analgesia was measured immediately before, during and after the experimental pain stimuli. RESULTS A significant difference in OA was shown during experimental pain when compared to the control condition (exercise vs. control: p < 0.001, cold vs. control: p = 0.001), with no difference between the experimental conditions (p > 0.05). Immediately following the pain stimulation, results were marginally non-significant (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Experimental painful stimulation reduced OA. This result should be interpreted with caution due to potential influences of conditioned pain modulation or exercise-induced hypoalgesia as well as possible floor effects. SIGNIFICANCE Temporal contrast of pain perception is inhibited in acute pain states. This study showed that reduced offset analgesia is observed when pain is experimentally induced using noxious cold and exercise stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor M Szikszay
- Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P. E. R. L.), Institute of Health Sciences, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany.,Laboratory of Pain Research, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
| | - Waclaw M Adamczyk
- Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P. E. R. L.), Institute of Health Sciences, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany.,Laboratory of Pain Research, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
| | - Alexandra Hoegner
- Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P. E. R. L.), Institute of Health Sciences, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Nele Woermann
- Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P. E. R. L.), Institute of Health Sciences, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Kerstin Luedtke
- Department of Physiotherapy, Pain and Exercise Research Luebeck (P. E. R. L.), Institute of Health Sciences, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany.,Laboratory of Pain Research, Institute of Physiotherapy and Health Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
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13
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Lie MU, Winsvold B, Gjerstad J, Matre D, Pedersen LM, Heuch I, Zwart JA, Nilsen KB. The association between selected genetic variants and individual differences in experimental pain. Scand J Pain 2021; 21:163-173. [PMID: 33108341 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2020-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The underlying mechanisms for individual differences in experimental pain are not fully understood, but genetic susceptibility is hypothesized to explain some of these differences. In the present study we focus on three genetic variants important for modulating experimental pain related to serotonin (SLC6A4 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 A>G), catecholamine (COMT rs4680 Val158Met) and opioid (OPRM1 rs1799971 A118G) signaling. We aimed to investigate associations between each of the selected genetic variants and individual differences in experimental pain. METHODS In total 356 subjects (232 low back pain patients and 124 healthy volunteers) were genotyped and assessed with tests of heat pain threshold, pressure pain thresholds, heat pain tolerance, conditioned pain modulation (CPM), offset analgesia, temporal summation and secondary hyperalgesia. Low back pain patients and healthy volunteers did not differ in regards to experimental test results or allelic frequencies, and were therefore analyzed as one group. The associations were tested using analysis of variance and the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS No significant associations were observed between the genetic variants (SLC6A4 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 A>G, COMT rs4680 Val158Met and OPRM1 rs1799971 A118G) and individual differences in experimental pain (heat pain threshold, pressure pain threshold, heat pain tolerance, CPM, offset analgesia, temporal summation and secondary hyperalgesia). CONCLUSIONS The selected pain-associated genetic variants were not associated with individual differences in experimental pain. Genetic variants well known for playing central roles in pain perception failed to explain individual differences in experimental pain in 356 subjects. The finding is an important contribution to the literature, which often consists of studies with lower sample size and one or few experimental pain assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bendik Winsvold
- Department of Research, Innovation and Education, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johannes Gjerstad
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Bioscience, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dagfinn Matre
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, Oslo, Norway
| | - Linda M Pedersen
- Department of Research, Innovation and Education, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Heuch
- Department of Research, Innovation and Education, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - John-Anker Zwart
- Department of Research, Innovation and Education, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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14
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Lie MU, Petriu E, Matre D, Hansson P, Andersen OK, Zwart JA, Nilsen KB. Psychophysical or spinal reflex measures when assessing conditioned pain modulation? Eur J Pain 2019; 23:1879-1889. [PMID: 31359580 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessing conditioning pain modulation (CPM) with spinal reflex measures may produce more objective and stable CPM effects than using psychophysical measures. The aim of the study was to compare the CPM effect and test-retest reliability between a psychophysical protocol with thermal test-stimulus and a spinal reflex protocol with electrical test-stimulus. METHODS Twenty-five healthy volunteers participated in two identical experiments separated by minimum 1 week. The thermal test-stimulus was a constant heat stimulation of 120 s on the subjects' forearm with continuous ratings of pain intensity on a 10 cm visual analogue scale. The electrical test-stimulus was repeated electrical stimulation on the arch of the foot for 120 s, which elicited a nociceptive withdrawal reflex recorded from the anterior tibial muscle. Conditioning stimulus was a 7°C water bath. Differences in the magnitude and test-retest reliability were investigated with repeated-measures analysis of variance and by relative and absolute reliability indices. RESULTS The CPM effect was -46% and 4.5% during the thermal and electrical test-stimulus (p < 0.001) respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.5 and 0.4 was found with the electrical and thermal test-stimulus respectively. Wide limits of agreement were found for both the electrical (-3.4 to 3.8 mA) and the thermal test-stimulus (-3.2 to 3.6 cm). CONCLUSIONS More pronounced CPM effect was demonstrated when using a psychophysical protocol with thermal test-stimulus compared to a spinal reflex protocol with electrical test-stimulus. Fair relative reliability and poor absolute reliability (due to high intraindividual variability) was found in both protocols. SIGNIFICANCE The large difference in CPM effect between the two protocols suggests that the CPM effect relates to pain perception rather than nociception on the spinal level. Due to poor absolute intrarater reliability, we recommend caution and further research before using any of the investigated CPM protocols in clinical decision making on an individual level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Udnesseter Lie
- Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health (FORMI), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elena Petriu
- Faculty of Health Science, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dagfinn Matre
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Hansson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Pain Management and Research, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole Kaeseler Andersen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI®, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - John-Anker Zwart
- Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health (FORMI), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristian Bernhard Nilsen
- Research and Communication Unit for Musculoskeletal Health (FORMI), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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15
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The Magnitude of Offset Analgesia as a Measure of Endogenous Pain Modulation in Healthy Participants and Patients With Chronic Pain. Clin J Pain 2019; 35:189-204. [DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000000657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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16
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Petersen K, Mørch C, Ligato D, Arendt-Nielsen L. Electrical stimulation for evoking offset analgesia: A human volunteer methodological study. Eur J Pain 2018; 22:1678-1684. [DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K.K. Petersen
- SMI; Department of Health Science and Technology; Faculty of Medicine; Aalborg University; Denmark
| | - C.D. Mørch
- SMI; Department of Health Science and Technology; Faculty of Medicine; Aalborg University; Denmark
| | - D. Ligato
- SMI; Department of Health Science and Technology; Faculty of Medicine; Aalborg University; Denmark
| | - L. Arendt-Nielsen
- SMI; Department of Health Science and Technology; Faculty of Medicine; Aalborg University; Denmark
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The effects of propranolol on heart rate variability and quantitative, mechanistic, pain profiling: a randomized placebo-controlled crossover study. Scand J Pain 2018; 18:479-489. [DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2018-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background and aims
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is capable of modulating pain. Aberrations in heart rate variability (HRV), reflective of ANS activity, are associated with experimental pain sensitivity, chronic pain, and more recently, pain modulatory mechanisms but the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. HRV is lowered during experimental pain as well as in chronic pain conditions and HRV can be increased by propranolol, which is a non-selective β-blocker. Sensitization of central pain pathways have been observed in several chronic pain conditions and human mechanistic pain biomarkers for these central pain pathways include temporal summation of pain (TSP) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM). The current study aimed to investigate the effect of the β-blocker propranolol, and subsequently assessing the response to standardized, quantitative, mechanistic pain biomarkers.
Methods
In this placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomized crossover study, 25 healthy male volunteers (mean age 25.6 years) were randomized to receive 40 mg propranolol and 40 mg placebo. Heart rate, blood pressure, and HRV were assessed before and during experimental pain tests. Cuff pressure pain stimulation was used for assessment of pain detection (cPDTs) and pain tolerance (cPTTs) thresholds, TSP, and CPM. Offset analgesia (OA) was assessed using heat stimulation.
Results
Propranolol significantly reduced heart rate (p<0.001), blood pressure (p<0.02) and increased HRV (p<0.01) compared with placebo. No significant differences were found comparing cPDT (p>0.70), cPTT (p>0.93), TSP (p>0.70), OA-effect (p>0.87) or CPM (p>0.65) between propranolol and placebo.
Conclusions
The current study demonstrated that propranolol increased HRV, but did not affect pressure pain sensitivity or any pain facilitatory or modulatory outcomes.
Implications
Analgesic effects of propranolol have been reported in clinical pain populations and the results from the current study could indicate that increased HRV from propranolol is not associated with peripheral and central pain pathways in healthy male subjects.
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18
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Ligato D, Petersen K, Mørch C, Arendt-Nielsen L. Offset analgesia: The role of peripheral and central mechanisms. Eur J Pain 2018; 22:142-149. [DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D. Ligato
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI); Department of Health Science and Technology; Faculty of Medicine; Aalborg University; Denmark
| | - K.K. Petersen
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI); Department of Health Science and Technology; Faculty of Medicine; Aalborg University; Denmark
| | - C.D. Mørch
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI); Department of Health Science and Technology; Faculty of Medicine; Aalborg University; Denmark
| | - L. Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI); Department of Health Science and Technology; Faculty of Medicine; Aalborg University; Denmark
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19
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Raoof M, Shakoori A, Kooshki R, Abbasnejad M, Amanpour S. The effects of regular exercise on capsaicin-induced pulpal pain and pain-induced changes in passive avoidance learning and memory in rats. Korean J Pain 2017; 30:258-264. [PMID: 29123620 PMCID: PMC5665737 DOI: 10.3344/kjp.2017.30.4.258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pulpal pain is one of the most common and severe orofacial pain conditions with considerable adverse effects on physiological processes including learning and memory. Regular exercise is known to be effective on cognitive function as well as pain processing in the central nervous system. Here, the possible effects of regular exercise on pulpal pain response as well as pain-induced changes in learning and memory efficiency in rats were investigated. Methods Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the control, capsaicin, exercise, and exercise plus capsaicin groups. Rats in exercise groups were forced to run on a treadmill with a moderate exercise protocol for 4 weeks. Capsaicin was used to induce dental pulp pain. Passive avoidance learning and memory performance was assessed by using a shuttle box apparatus. Results According to the results, regular exercise could decrease the time course of capsaicin-induced pulpal pain (P < 0.001). Moreover, in capsaicin-treated rats, passive avoidance acquisition was impaired as compared to the control (P < 0.05) and exercise (P < 0.001) groups. Additionally, regular exercise before capsaicin injection could attenuate capsaicin-induced memory impairments (P < 0.05). Conclusions Taken together, the present data showed that regular exercise has inhibitory effects on capsaicin-induced pulpal pain as well as pain-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Raoof
- Endodontology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Afshin Shakoori
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Razieh Kooshki
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasnejad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran
| | - Sara Amanpour
- Oral and Dental Diseases Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Kerman Social Determinants on Oral Health Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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20
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Dayan L, Hochberg U, Nahman-Averbuch H, Brill S, Ablin JN, Jacob G. Increased Sympathetic Outflow Induces Adaptation to Acute Experimental Pain. Pain Pract 2017. [PMID: 28627793 DOI: 10.1111/papr.12606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are interrelationships between the autonomic nervous system and pain. This study aims to explore the effect of different autonomic manipulations on pain perception and modulation. METHODS Twenty healthy subjects (10 men and 10 women, mean age 25 ± 3 years) participated in this single-blinded, semi-randomized, controlled study, which included 2 study visits. Warm detection thresholds, heat pain thresholds, conditioned pain modulation (CPM), and pain adaptation were tested before and after administration of phenylephrine, clonidine, yohimbine, and saline. RESULTS Changes in heart rate and blood pressure were found after all the pharmacological interventions. The only effect on pain measures was that yohimbine enhanced pain adaptation capacity while phenylephrine reduced it (P = 0.032). Several significant correlations were found between autonomic and pain parameters; greater decreases in heart rate after phenylephrine were associated with reduced pain ratings (r2 = 0.288, P = 0.018). In addition, enhanced pain adaptation was associated with higher total vascular resistance (r2 = 0.442, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Different effects of acute autonomic manipulations on experimental pain were found: an increase in sympathetic tone induced by yohimbine led to reduced pain sensitivity; a decrease in sympathetic tone with no effect on vagal-parasympathetic tone induced by phenylephrine led to reduction in pain adaptation capacity; and a decrease in sympathetic tone and increase in vagal parasympathetic tone by clonidine led to no change in pain adaptation capacity. While increased sympathetic outflow does facilitate pain adaptation, activation of either the sympathetic or parasympathetic limbs of the autonomic nervous system does not affect pain thresholds or CPM. Finally, a correlation exists between nociception and cardiovascular parameters only due to baroreflex activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lior Dayan
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Pain Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Uri Hochberg
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Pain Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Silviu Brill
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Pain Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jacob N Ablin
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Internal Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Giris Jacob
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Internal Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
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