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Lee S, Wei ET, Selescu T, Babes A, Park J, Kim J, Chung B, Park C, Kim HO. Histamine- and pruritogen-induced itch is inhibited by a TRPM8 agonist: a randomized vehicle-controlled human trial. Br J Dermatol 2024; 190:885-894. [PMID: 38345103 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljae054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergies often present challenges in managing itch and the effects of histamine. Cooling agents that act via transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) agonism have shown potential in itch management. However, animal studies on itch have limitations, as animals cannot communicate subjective events and their fur-coated skin differs from that of humans. Human studies offer more direct and reliable information. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of a specific TRPM8 agonist gel (cryosim-1) on itch induced by various pruritogens in human skin. METHODS Calcium imaging experiments determined the binding of cryosim-1 and histamine to their respective receptors. Thirty healthy volunteers underwent skin prick tests with pruritogens and a control vehicle. Itch and pain intensity were measured using a numerical rating scale (NRS) across 10 min. Participants were randomly assigned to pretreatments with vehicle or TRPM8 agonist gel. Tests were repeated at a later date, and skin moisture, transepidermal water loss and mechanical sensitivity were measured. RESULTS The in vitro study confirmed that histamine is not a TRPM8 agonist and cryosim-1 does not act as an agonist or antagonist on the human histamine 1 receptor. The TRPM8 agonist gel significantly reduced the itch intensity for all pruritogens compared with the vehicle-only gel. It also reduced itch NRS and the integrated itch score. Mechanical sensitivity was also reduced. CONCLUSIONS The specific TRPM8 agonist gel effectively suppressed human skin itch induced by various pruritogens. These versatile actions suggest that cooling agents may be promising treatments for multiple forms of itch stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyeon Lee
- Department of Dermatology, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Edward T Wei
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Tudor Selescu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Babes
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Jinseo Park
- Department of Dermatology, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jincheol Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Boyoung Chung
- Department of Dermatology, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chunwook Park
- Department of Dermatology, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye One Kim
- Department of Dermatology, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Schnepel P, Paricio-Montesinos R, Ezquerra-Romano I, Haggard P, Poulet JFA. Cortical cellular encoding of thermotactile integration. Curr Biol 2024; 34:1718-1730.e3. [PMID: 38582078 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that primary sensory cortical regions play a role in the integration of information from multiple sensory modalities. How primary cortical neurons integrate different sources of sensory information is unclear, partly because non-primary sensory input to a cortical sensory region is often weak or modulatory. To address this question, we take advantage of the robust representation of thermal (cooling) and tactile stimuli in mouse forelimb primary somatosensory cortex (fS1). Using a thermotactile detection task, we show that the perception of threshold-level cool or tactile information is enhanced when they are presented simultaneously, compared with presentation alone. To investigate the cortical cellular correlates of thermotactile integration, we performed in vivo extracellular recordings from fS1 in awake resting and anesthetized mice during unimodal and bimodal stimulation of the forepaw. Unimodal stimulation evoked thermal- or tactile- specific excitatory and inhibitory responses of fS1 neurons. The most prominent features of combined thermotactile stimulation are the recruitment of unimodally silent fS1 neurons, non-linear integration features, and response dynamics that favor longer response durations with additional spikes. Together, we identify quantitative and qualitative changes in cortical encoding that may underlie the improvement in perception of thermotactile surfaces during haptic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schnepel
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin-Buch, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany; Neuroscience Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ricardo Paricio-Montesinos
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin-Buch, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany; Neuroscience Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ivan Ezquerra-Romano
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin-Buch, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany; Neuroscience Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany; Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London (UCL), London WC1N 3AZ, UK
| | - Patrick Haggard
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London (UCL), London WC1N 3AZ, UK
| | - James F A Poulet
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin-Buch, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany; Neuroscience Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
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Toussaint B, Heinzle J, Stephan KE. A computationally informed distinction of interoception and exteroception. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 159:105608. [PMID: 38432449 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105608] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
While interoception is of major neuroscientific interest, its precise definition and delineation from exteroception continue to be debated. Here, we propose a functional distinction between interoception and exteroception based on computational concepts of sensor-effector loops. Under this view, the classification of sensory inputs as serving interoception or exteroception depends on the sensor-effector loop they feed into, for the control of either bodily (physiological and biochemical) or environmental states. We explain the utility of this perspective by examining the perception of skin temperature, one of the most challenging cases for distinguishing between interoception and exteroception. Specifically, we propose conceptualising thermoception as inference about the thermal state of the body (including the skin), which is directly coupled to thermoregulatory processes. This functional view emphasises the coupling to regulation (control) as a defining property of perception (inference) and connects the definition of interoception to contemporary computational theories of brain-body interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birte Toussaint
- Translational Neuromodeling Unit (TNU), Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Jakob Heinzle
- Translational Neuromodeling Unit (TNU), Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Klaas Enno Stephan
- Translational Neuromodeling Unit (TNU), Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich & ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
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4
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Ständer S, Schmelz M. Skin Innervation. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)00085-X. [PMID: 38402477 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.10.047] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
All layers and appendages of the skin are densely innervated by afferent and efferent neurons providing sensory information and controlling skin perfusion and sweating. In mice, neuronal functions have been comprehensively linked to unique single-cell expression patterns and to characteristic arborization of nerve endings in skin and dorsal horn, whereas for humans, specific molecular markers for functional classes of afferent neurons are still lacking. Moreover, bidirectional communication between sensory neurons and local skin cells has become of particular interest, resulting in a broader physiological understanding of sensory function but also of trophic functions and immunomodulation in disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Ständer
- Department of Dermatology and Center for Chronic Pruritus, University Hospital, Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Schmelz
- Department of Experimental Pain Research, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience (MCTN), Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
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Gilchrist JM, Yang ND, Jiang V, Moyer BD. Pharmacologic Characterization of LTGO-33, a Selective Small Molecule Inhibitor of the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Na V1.8 with a Unique Mechanism of Action. Mol Pharmacol 2024; 105:233-249. [PMID: 38195157 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.123.000789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Discovery and development of new molecules directed against validated pain targets is required to advance the treatment of pain disorders. Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaVs) are responsible for action potential initiation and transmission of pain signals. NaV1.8 is specifically expressed in peripheral nociceptors and has been genetically and pharmacologically validated as a human pain target. Selective inhibition of NaV1.8 can ameliorate pain while minimizing effects on other NaV isoforms essential for cardiac, respiratory, and central nervous system physiology. Here we present the pharmacology, interaction site, and mechanism of action of LTGO-33, a novel NaV1.8 small molecule inhibitor. LTGO-33 inhibited NaV1.8 in the nM potency range and exhibited over 600-fold selectivity against human NaV1.1-NaV1.7 and NaV1.9. Unlike prior reported NaV1.8 inhibitors that preferentially interacted with an inactivated state via the pore region, LTGO-33 was state-independent with similar potencies against closed and inactivated channels. LTGO-33 displayed species specificity for primate NaV1.8 over dog and rodent NaV1.8 and inhibited action potential firing in human dorsal root ganglia neurons. Using chimeras combined with mutagenesis, the extracellular cleft of the second voltage-sensing domain was identified as the key site required for channel inhibition. Biophysical mechanism of action studies demonstrated that LTGO-33 inhibition was relieved by membrane depolarization, suggesting the molecule stabilized the deactivated state to prevent channel opening. LTGO-33 equally inhibited wild-type and multiple NaV1.8 variants associated with human pain disorders. These collective results illustrate LTGO-33 inhibition via both a novel interaction site and mechanism of action previously undescribed in NaV1.8 small molecule pharmacologic space. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: NaV1.8 sodium channels primarily expressed in peripheral pain-sensing neurons represent a validated target for the development of novel analgesics. Here we present the selective small molecule NaV1.8 inhibitor LTGO-33 that interdicts a distinct site in a voltage-sensor domain to inhibit channel opening. These results inform the development of new analgesics for pain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nien-Du Yang
- Latigo Biotherapeutics, Inc., Thousand Oaks, California
| | | | - Bryan D Moyer
- Latigo Biotherapeutics, Inc., Thousand Oaks, California
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Schicht M, Farger J, Wedel S, Sisignano M, Scholich K, Geisslinger G, Perumal N, Grus FH, Singh S, Sahin A, Paulsen F, Lütjen-Drecoll E. Ocular surface changes in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes and diabetic polyneuropathy. Ocul Surf 2024; 31:43-55. [PMID: 38141818 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.12.006] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a leading risk factor for corneal neuropathy and dry eye disease (DED). Another common consequence of DM is diabetic peripheral polyneuropathy (DPN). Both complications affect around 50 % of the DM patients but the relationship between DM, DED and DPN remains unclear. METHODS In this study, we examined mice with early onset of DM and PN after streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes (DPN). We compared the early morphological changes of the sciatic nerve, dorsal root and trigeminal ganglia with the changes in the ocular surface, including tear proteomic and we also investigated respective changes in the gene expressions and morphological alterations in the eye tissues involved in tear production. RESULTS The lacrimal gland, conjunctival goblet cells and cornea showed morphological changes along with alterations in tear proteins without any obvious signs of ocular surface inflammation. The gene expression for respectively altered tear proteins i.e., of Clusterin in cornea, Car6, Adh3a1, and Eef1a1 in eyelids, and Pigr in the lacrimal gland also showed significant changes compared to control mice. In the trigeminal ganglia like in the dorsal root ganglia neuronal cells showed swollen mitochondria and, in the latter, there was a significant increase of NADPH oxidases and MMP9 suggestive of oxidative and neuronal stress. In the dorsal root ganglia and the sciatic nerve, there was an upregulation of a number of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pain-mediating chemokines. CONCLUSION The early ocular changes in DM Mice only affect the lacrimal gland. Which, is reflected in the tear film composition of DPN mice. Due to the high protein concentration in tear fluid in humans, proteomic analysis in addition to noninvasive investigation of goblet cells and cornea can serve as a tools for the early diagnosis of DPN, DED in clinical practice. Early treatment could delay or even prevent the ocular complications of DM such as DED and PN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Schicht
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Jessica Farger
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Saskia Wedel
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marco Sisignano
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt am Main, Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, Germany
| | - Klaus Scholich
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt am Main, Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, Germany
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt am Main, Department of Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, Germany
| | - Natarajan Perumal
- Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Franz H Grus
- Experimental and Translational Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Swati Singh
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Afsun Sahin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Koc University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Friedrich Paulsen
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Elke Lütjen-Drecoll
- Institute of Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Abstract
Efforts to design devices emulating complex cognitive abilities and response processes of biological systems have long been a coveted goal. Recent advancements in flexible electronics, mirroring human tissue's mechanical properties, hold significant promise. Artificial neuron devices, hinging on flexible artificial synapses, bioinspired sensors, and actuators, are meticulously engineered to mimic the biological systems. However, this field is in its infancy, requiring substantial groundwork to achieve autonomous systems with intelligent feedback, adaptability, and tangible problem-solving capabilities. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in artificial neuron devices. It starts with fundamental principles of artificial synaptic devices and explores artificial sensory systems, integrating artificial synapses and bioinspired sensors to replicate all five human senses. A systematic presentation of artificial nervous systems follows, designed to emulate fundamental human nervous system functions. The review also discusses potential applications and outlines existing challenges, offering insights into future prospects. We aim for this review to illuminate the burgeoning field of artificial neuron devices, inspiring further innovation in this captivating area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke He
- Innovative Centre for Flexible Devices (iFLEX), Max Planck-NTU Joint Lab for Artificial Senses, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Cong Wang
- Innovative Centre for Flexible Devices (iFLEX), Max Planck-NTU Joint Lab for Artificial Senses, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Yongli He
- Innovative Centre for Flexible Devices (iFLEX), Max Planck-NTU Joint Lab for Artificial Senses, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Jiangtao Su
- Innovative Centre for Flexible Devices (iFLEX), Max Planck-NTU Joint Lab for Artificial Senses, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Innovative Centre for Flexible Devices (iFLEX), Max Planck-NTU Joint Lab for Artificial Senses, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
- Institute for Digital Molecular Analytics and Science (IDMxS), Nanyang Technological University, 59 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 636921, Singapore
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Karmakar S, Kesh A, Muniyandi M. Thermal illusions for thermal displays: a review. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1278894. [PMID: 38116235 PMCID: PMC10728301 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1278894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Thermal illusions, a subset of haptic illusions, have historically faced technical challenges and limited exploration. They have been underutilized in prior studies related to thermal displays. This review paper primarily aims to comprehensively categorize thermal illusions, offering insights for diverse applications in thermal display design. Recent advancements in the field have spurred a fresh perspective on thermal and pain perception, specifically through the lens of thermal illusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhankar Karmakar
- Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
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9
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Ezquerra-Romano I, Clements MF, di Costa S, Iannetti GD, Haggard P. Revisiting a classical theory of sensory specificity: assessing consistency and stability of thermosensitive spots. J Neurophysiol 2023; 130:1567-1577. [PMID: 37964756 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00275.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Thermal sensitivity is not uniform across the skin, and is particularly high in small (∼1 mm2) regions termed "thermosensitive spots." These spots are thought to reflect the anatomical location of specialized thermosensitive nerve endings from single primary afferents. Thermosensitive spots provide foundational support for "labeled line" or specificity theory of sensory perception, which states that different sensory qualities are transmitted by separate and specific neural pathways. This theory predicts a highly stable relation between repetitions of a thermal stimulus and the resulting sensory quality, yet these predictions have rarely been tested systematically. Here, we present the qualitative, spatial, and repeatability properties of 334 thermosensitive spots on the dorsal forearm sampled across four separate sessions. In line with previous literature, we found that spots associated with cold sensations (112 cold spots, 34%) were more frequent than spots associated with warm sensations (41 warm spots, 12%). Still more frequent (165 spots, 49%) were spots that elicited inconsistent sensations when repeatedly stimulated by the same temperature. Remarkably, only 13 spots (4%) conserved their position between sessions. Overall, we show unexpected inconsistency of both the perceptual responses elicited by spot stimulation and of spot locations across time. These observations suggest reappraisals of the traditional view that thermosensitive spots reflect the location of individual thermosensitive, unimodal primary afferents serving as specific labeled lines for corresponding sensory qualities.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Thermosensitive spots are clustered rather than randomly distributed and have the highest density near the wrist. Surprisingly, we found that thermosensitive spots elicit inconsistent sensory qualities and are unstable over time. Our results question the widely believed notion that thermosensitive spots reflect the location of individual thermoreceptive, unimodal primary afferents that serve as labelled lines for corresponding sensory qualities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Ezquerra-Romano
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael F Clements
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steven di Costa
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Patrick Haggard
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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Lunden LK, Kleggetveit IP, Schmelz M, Jorum E. Cold allodynia is correlated to paroxysmal and evoked mechanical pain in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Scand J Pain 2022; 22:533-542. [PMID: 35429156 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2021-0208] [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: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mechanisms of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) are still debated. Identifying subgroups of patients have been attempted in the hope of linking clinical findings to possible mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether subgroups of CRPS (based on quantitative sensory testing (QST)-results) differed with respect to different characteristics of pain like spontaneous ongoing or paroxysmal pain and mechanical dynamic allodynia. METHODS 61 CRPS-patients (type 1 and 2) were examined clinically and with QST, in affected and contralateral extremity, with assessment of thresholds for warmth, cold and heat-and cold pain. RESULTS 43 patients (20 men, 23 men) were diagnosed with CRPS 1 (70.5%) and 18 patients (8 women and 10 men) with CRPS 2 (29.5%). Three subgroups were defined based on thermal thresholds; A (thermal allodynia 22.9%), B (thermal hyposensitivity 37.3%), C (thermal allodynia and hyposensitivity 39.3%). Paroxysmal pain was more prevalent in patients with thermal allodynia (merging group A + C, 25/38-65.8%) compared to patients without thermal allodynia (group B, 5/23-21.7%) (p-value=0.00085). CONCLUSIONS We suggest that cold allodynia is based on hyper-excitability of very superficial skin nociceptors. The correlation between paroxysmal pain, allodynia to light touch and cold allodynia suggests that activity in those peripheral nociceptors can drive both, paroxysmal pain and spinal sensitization leading to stroke evoked allodynia. Mechanistically, the physical cold stimulus can unmask disease-related hyperexcitability by closure of temperature-sensitive potassium channels or induction of resurgent currents. Small fiber degeneration alone may not be the crucial mechanism in CRPS, nor explain pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Kristian Lunden
- Section of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Inge Petter Kleggetveit
- Section of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Martin Schmelz
- Department of Experimental Pain Research, MCTN, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ellen Jorum
- Section of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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11
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McPhetres J, Zickfeld JH. The physiological study of emotional piloerection: A systematic review and guide for future research. Int J Psychophysiol 2022; 179:6-20. [PMID: 35764195 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2022.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This paper provides an accessible review of the biological and psychological evidence to guide new and experienced researchers in the study of emotional piloerection in humans. A limited number of studies have attempted to examine the physiological and emotional correlates of piloerection in humans. However, no review has attempted to collate this evidence to guide the field as it moves forward. We first discuss the mechanisms and function of non-emotional and emotional piloerection in humans and animals. We discuss the biological foundations of piloerection as a means to understand the similarities and differences between emotional and non-emotional piloerection. We then present a systematic qualitative review (k = 24) in which we examine the physiological correlates of emotional piloerection. The analysis revealed that indices of sympathetic activation are abundant, suggesting emotional piloerection occurs with increased (phasic) skin conductance and heart rate. Measures of parasympathetic activation are lacking and no definite conclusions can be drawn. Additionally, several studies examined self-reported emotional correlates, and these correlates are discussed in light of several possible theoretical explanations for emotional piloerection. Finally, we provide an overview of the methodological possibilities available for the study of piloerection and we highlight some pressing questions researchers may wish to answer in future studies.
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12
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Roza C, Bernal L. Electrophysiological characterization of ectopic spontaneous discharge in axotomized and intact fibers upon nerve transection: a role in spontaneous pain? Pflugers Arch 2022; 474:387-396. [PMID: 35088129 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02655-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Many patients experience positive symptoms after traumatic nerve injury. Despite the increasing number of experimental studies in models of peripheral neuropathy and the knowledge acquired, most of these patients lack an effective treatment for their chronic pain. One possible explanation might be that most of the preclinical studies focused on the development of mechanical or thermal allodynia/hyperalgesia, neglecting that most of the patients with peripheral neuropathies complain mostly about spontaneous forms of pains. Here, we summarize the aberrant electrophysiological behavior of peripheral nerve fibers recorded in experimental models, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, and their relationship with the symptoms reported by patients. Upon nerve section, axotomized but also intact fibers develop ectopic spontaneous activity. Most interestingly, a proportion of axotomized fibers might present receptive fields in the skin far beyond the site of damage, indicative of a functional cross talk between neuromatose and intact fibers. All these features can be linked with some of the symptoms that neuropathic patients experience. Furthermore, we spotlight the consequence of primary afferents with different patterns of spontaneous discharge on the neural code and its relationship with chronic pain states. With this article, readers will be able to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms that might underlie some of the symptoms that experience neuropathic patients, with a special focus on spontaneous pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Roza
- Dpto. Biología de Sistemas, Edificio de Medicina Universidad de Alcalá, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
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Verdugo RJ, Matamala JM, Inui K, Kakigi R, Valls-Solé J, Hansson P, Bernhard Nilsen K, Lombardi R, Lauria G, Petropoulos IN, Malik RA, Treede RD, Baumgärtner U, Jara PA, Campero M. Review of techniques useful for the assessment of sensory small fiber neuropathies: Report from an IFCN expert group. Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 136:13-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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Parkinson T, Zhang H, Arens E, He Y, de Dear R, Elson J, Parkinson A, Maranville C, Wang A. Predicting thermal pleasure experienced in dynamic environments from simulated cutaneous thermoreceptor activity. INDOOR AIR 2021; 31:2266-2280. [PMID: 34048603 DOI: 10.1111/ina.12859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Research into human thermal perception indoors has focused on "neutrality" under steady-state conditions. Recent interest in thermal alliesthesia has highlighted the hedonic dimension of our thermal world that has been largely overlooked by science. Here, we show the activity of sensory neurons can predict thermal pleasure under dynamic exposures. A numerical model of cutaneous thermoreceptors was applied to skin temperature measurements from 12 human subjects. A random forest model trained on simulated thermoreceptor impulses could classify pleasure responses (F1 score of 67%) with low false positives/negatives (4%). Accuracy increased (83%) when excluding the few extreme (dis)pleasure responses. Validation on an independent dataset confirmed model reliability. This is the first empirical demonstration of the relationship between thermoreceptors and pleasure arising from thermal stimuli. Insights into the neurophysiology of thermal perception can enhance the experience of built environments through designs that promote sensory excitation instead of neutrality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Parkinson
- Center for the Built Environment (CBE), University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Hui Zhang
- Center for the Built Environment (CBE), University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Ed Arens
- Center for the Built Environment (CBE), University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Yingdong He
- Center for the Built Environment (CBE), University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Richard de Dear
- Indoor Environmental Quality Lab, School of Architecture, Design and Planning, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John Elson
- Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan, USA
| | - Alex Parkinson
- Department of Mathematics, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Andrew Wang
- Center for the Built Environment (CBE), University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
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15
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Lefaucheur JP, Abbas SA, Lefaucheur-Ménard I, Rouie D, Tebbal D, Bismuth J, Nordine T. Small nerve fiber selectivity of laser and intraepidermal electrical stimulation: A comparative study between glabrous and hairy skin. Neurophysiol Clin 2021; 51:357-374. [PMID: 34304975 DOI: 10.1016/j.neucli.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In clinical neurophysiology practice, various methods of stimulation can be used to activate small-diameter nociceptive cutaneous afferents located in the epidermis. These methods include different types of laser and intraepidermal electrical stimulation techniques. The diffusion of the stimulation in the skin, inside or under the epidermis, depends on laser wavelength and electrode design, in particular. The aim of this study was to compare several of these techniques in their ability to selectively stimulate small nerve fibers. METHODS In 8 healthy subjects, laser stimulation (using a CO2 or Nd:YAP laser) and intraepidermal electrical stimulation (using a micropatterned, concentric planar, or concentric needle electrode), were applied at increasing energy or intensity on the dorsal or volar aspect of the right hand or foot. The subjects were asked to define the perceived sensation (warm, pinprick, or electric shock sensation, corresponding to the activation of C fibers, Aδ fibers, or Aβ fibers, respectively) after each stimulation. Depending on the difference in the sensations perceived between dorsal (hairy skin with thin stratum corneum) and volar (glabrous skin with thick stratum corneum) stimulations, the diffusion of the stimulation inside or under the epidermis and the nature of the activated afferents were determined. RESULTS Regarding laser stimulation, the perceived sensations turned from warm to pinprick with increasing energies of stimulation, in particular with the Nd:YAP laser, of which pulse could penetrate deep in the skin according to its short wavelength. In contrast, CO2 laser stimulation produced only warm sensations and no pricking sensation when applied to the glabrous skin, perhaps due to a thicker stratum corneum and the shallow penetration of the CO2 laser pulse. Regarding intraepidermal electrical stimulation using concentric electrodes, the perceived sensations turned from pinprick to a combination of pinprick and electrical shocks with increasing intensities. Using the concentric planar electrode, the sensations perceived at high stimulation intensity even consisted of electric shocks without concomitant pinprick. In contrast, using the micropatterned electrode, only pinprick sensations were produced by the stimulation of the hairy skin, while the stimulation of the glabrous skin produced no sensation at all within the limits of stimulation intensities used in this study. CONCLUSIONS Using the CO2 laser or the micropatterned electrode, pinprick sensations were selectively produced by the stimulation of hairy skin, while only warm sensation or no sensation at all were produced by the stimulation of glabrous skin. These two techniques appear to be more selective with a limited diffusion of the stimulation into the skin, restricting the activation of sensory afferents to the most superficial and smallest intraepidermal nerve fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pascal Lefaucheur
- Univ Paris Est Creteil, EA4391, ENT, F-94010 Creteil, France; AP-HP, Henri Mondor University Hospital, Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, F-94010 Creteil, France.
| | - Samar A Abbas
- AP-HP, Henri Mondor University Hospital, Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, F-94010 Creteil, France
| | | | - Denis Rouie
- AP-HP, Henri Mondor University Hospital, Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, F-94010 Creteil, France
| | - Denise Tebbal
- AP-HP, Henri Mondor University Hospital, Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, F-94010 Creteil, France
| | - Julie Bismuth
- AP-HP, Henri Mondor University Hospital, Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, F-94010 Creteil, France
| | - Tarik Nordine
- Univ Paris Est Creteil, EA4391, ENT, F-94010 Creteil, France; AP-HP, Henri Mondor University Hospital, Clinical Neurophysiology Unit, F-94010 Creteil, France
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16
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Efficacy assessment of salicylidene salicylhydrazide in chemotherapy associated peripheral neuropathy. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 888:173481. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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17
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van Neerven SGA, Mouraux A. Capsaicin-Induced Skin Desensitization Differentially Affects A-Delta and C-Fiber-Mediated Heat Sensitivity. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:615. [PMID: 32508630 PMCID: PMC7248294 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Localized neuropathic pain can be relieved following the topical application of high-concentration capsaicin. This clinical effect is thought to be related to the temporary desensitization of capsaicin- and heat-sensitive epidermal nociceptors. The objective of the present study was to examine whether the changes in thermal sensitivity induced by high-concentration topical capsaicin can be explained entirely by desensitization of capsaicin-sensitive afferents. For this purpose, we characterized, in 20 healthy human volunteers, the time course and spatial extent of the changes in sensitivity to thermal stimuli preferentially activating heat-sensitive A-fiber nociceptors, heat-sensitive C-fiber afferents, and cool-sensitive A-fiber afferents. The volar forearm was treated with a high-concentration capsaicin patch for 1 h. Transient heat, warm and cold stimuli designed to activate Aδ- and C-fiber thermonociceptors, C-fiber warm receptors, and Aδ-fiber cold receptors were applied to the skin before and after treatment at days 1, 3, and 7. Reaction times, intensity ratings, and quality descriptors were collected. The stimuli were applied both within the capsaicin-treated skin and around the capsaicin-treated skin to map the changes in thermal sensitivity. We found that topical capsaicin selectively impairs heat sensitivity without any concomitant changes in cold sensitivity. Most interestingly, we observed a differential effect on the sensitivity to thermal inputs conveyed by Aδ- and C-fibers. Reduced sensitivity to Aδ-fiber-mediated heat was restricted to the capsaicin-treated skin, whereas reduced sensitivity to C-fiber-mediated heat extended well beyond the treated skin. Moreover, the time course of the reduced sensitivity to C-fiber-mediated input was more prolonged than the reduced sensitivity to Aδ-fiber-mediated input.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - André Mouraux
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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18
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Paricio-Montesinos R, Schwaller F, Udhayachandran A, Rau F, Walcher J, Evangelista R, Vriens J, Voets T, Poulet JFA, Lewin GR. The Sensory Coding of Warm Perception. Neuron 2020; 106:830-841.e3. [PMID: 32208171 PMCID: PMC7272120 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Humans detect skin temperature changes that are perceived as warm or cool. Like humans, mice report forepaw skin warming with perceptual thresholds of less than 1°C and do not confuse warm with cool. We identify two populations of polymodal C-fibers that signal warm. Warm excites one population, whereas it suppresses the ongoing cool-driven firing of the other. In the absence of the thermosensitive TRPM2 or TRPV1 ion channels, warm perception was blunted, but not abolished. In addition, trpv1:trpa1:trpm3−/− triple-mutant mice that cannot sense noxious heat detected skin warming, albeit with reduced sensitivity. In contrast, loss or local pharmacological silencing of the cool-driven TRPM8 channel abolished the ability to detect warm. Our data are not reconcilable with a labeled line model for warm perception, with receptors firing only in response to warm stimuli, but instead support a conserved dual sensory model to unambiguously detect skin warming in vertebrates. Mice, like humans, perceive forepaw warming (≥1°C) and discriminate warm from cool Warm-activated and warm-silenced polymodal C-fibers both signal forepaw warming Mice lacking the cool-sensitive ion channel TRPM8 are unable to perceive warm The inability to perceive warm is associated with loss of warm-silenced C-fibers
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Paricio-Montesinos
- Department of Neuroscience, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle Straße 10, 13092 Berlin, Germany; Neuroscience Research Center and Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Frederick Schwaller
- Department of Neuroscience, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle Straße 10, 13092 Berlin, Germany
| | - Annapoorani Udhayachandran
- Department of Neuroscience, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle Straße 10, 13092 Berlin, Germany; Neuroscience Research Center and Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Rau
- Department of Neuroscience, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle Straße 10, 13092 Berlin, Germany; Neuroscience Research Center and Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Walcher
- Department of Neuroscience, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle Straße 10, 13092 Berlin, Germany
| | - Roberta Evangelista
- Department of Neuroscience, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle Straße 10, 13092 Berlin, Germany
| | - Joris Vriens
- Laboratory of Endometrium, Endometriosis and Reproductive Medicine, KU Leuven Department of Development and Regeneration, G-PURE, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Voets
- Laboratory of Ion Channel Research, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, KU Leuven Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Leuven, Belgium
| | - James F A Poulet
- Department of Neuroscience, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle Straße 10, 13092 Berlin, Germany; Neuroscience Research Center and Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Gary R Lewin
- Department of Neuroscience, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle Straße 10, 13092 Berlin, Germany.
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Typolt O, Filingeri D. Evidence for the involvement of peripheral cold-sensitive TRPM8 channels in human cutaneous hygrosensation. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2020; 318:R579-R589. [PMID: 31967850 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00332.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to other species, humans are believed to lack hygroreceptors for sensing skin wetness. Yet, the molecular basis of human hygrosensation is currently unknown, and it remains unclear whether we possess a receptor-mediated sensing mechanism for skin wetness. The aim of this study was to assess the role of the cutaneous cold-sensitive transient receptor potential melastatin-8 (TRPM8) channel as a molecular mediator of human hygrosensation. To this end, we exploited both the thermal and chemical activation of TRPM8-expressing cutaneous Aδ cold thermoreceptors, and we assessed wetness sensing in healthy young men in response to 1) dry skin cooling in the TRPM8 range of thermosensitivity and 2) application of the TRPM8 agonist menthol. Our results indicate that 1) independently of contact with moisture, a cold-dry stimulus in the TRPM8 range of activation induced wetness perceptions across 12 different body regions and those wetness perceptions varied across the body following regional differences in cold sensitivity; and 2) independently of skin cooling, menthol-induced stimulation of TRPM8 triggered wetness perceptions that were greater than those induced by physical dry cooling and by contact with an aqueous cream containing actual moisture. For the first time, we show that the cutaneous cold-sensing TRPM8 channel plays the dual role of cold and wetness sensor in human skin and that this ion channel is a peripheral mediator of human skin wetness perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Typolt
- THERMOSENSELAB, Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Davide Filingeri
- THERMOSENSELAB, Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
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20
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Martin ZT, Shannon CA, Kistler BM, Nagelkirk PR, Del Pozzi AT. Effect of Sex and Menstrual Cycle on Skin Sensory Nerve Contribution to Local Heating. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXERCISE SCIENCE 2019; 12:1265-1279. [PMID: 31839845 PMCID: PMC6886618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine sex differences in the contribution of sensory nerves to rapid cutaneous thermal hyperemia. Healthy young females (n = 15, tested during both the early follicular (EF) and the mid-luteal (ML) phase of the menstrual cycle) and males (n = 15) had a 4 cm2 area of skin on one forearm and one leg treated with a eutectic mixture of local anesthetic (EMLA). EMLA sites, along with corresponding control sites, were instrumented with laser Doppler flowmetry probes and local skin heaters. Baseline (33 °C), rapid and sustained vasodilation (42 °C), and maximal vasodilation (44 °C) skin blood flow data were obtained and expressed as a percentage of maximal cutaneous vascular conductance (%CVCmax). Contribution of sensory nerve involvement was determined by comparing the EMLA site to its matched control site utilizing the formula [(% CVCmax control - % CVCmax treatment) / % CVCmax control] × 100. The contribution of sensory nerves to rapid cutaneous thermal hyperemia in the forearm was 24 ± 18 %CVCmax in males, 41 ± 17 %CVCmax in ML females (p = 0.02 vs. males), and 35 ± 17 %CVCmax in EF females (p > 0.05 vs. males). In the leg, the contribution of sensory nerves was 16 ± 15 %CVCmax in males, 34 ± 17 %CVCmax for ML females (p = 0.02 vs. males), and 28 ± 21 %CVCmax in EF females (p > 0.05 vs. males). ML females exhibited a greater contribution of sensory nerves to rapid cutaneous thermal hyperemia in the forearm and leg, possibly attributed to elevated reproductive hormones during the ML phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary T Martin
- Integrative Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
| | - Carley A Shannon
- Integrative Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
| | - Brandon M Kistler
- Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
| | - Paul R Nagelkirk
- Integrative Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
| | - Andrew T Del Pozzi
- Integrative Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA
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21
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Children and adolescents with sickle cell disease have worse cold and mechanical hypersensitivity during acute painful events. Pain 2019; 160:407-416. [PMID: 30247266 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) pain associates with cold temperature and touch. Patients and murine models with SCD have baseline thermal and mechanical pain. In SCD mice, the baseline hypersensitivity is exacerbated by experimental vaso-occlusive crises. We hypothesized that patients with SCD will similarly experience increased hypersensitivity to thermal and mechanical stimuli during acute painful events compared with baseline health. We conducted a prospective study of 24 patients with SCD aged 7 to 19 years. Patients underwent quantitative sensory testing to thermal (cold/heat) and mechanical stimuli on the thenar eminence of the nondominant hand (glabrous skin) and the lateral dorsum of the foot (hairy skin) during baseline health and within 48 hours of hospitalization for acute pain. Primary outcomes were changes in: (1) cold pain threshold (°C), (2) heat pain threshold (°C), and (3) mechanical pain threshold (g). Median age was 10.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 9-14.8) years, 67% were females, and 92% were on hydroxyurea. Patients with SCD had increased cold pain sensitivity in the hand during hospitalization compared with baseline (25.2°C [IQR 18.4-27.5°C] vs 21.3°C [IQR 4.9-26.2°C]; P = 0.011) and increased mechanical pain sensitivity in the foot during hospitalization (0.32 g [IQR 0.09-1.1 g] vs 1.7 g [IQR 0.4-8.3 g]; P = 0.003). There were no differences in heat pain sensitivity. The increased cold (P = 0.02) and mechanical (P = 0.0016) pain sensitivity during hospitalization persisted after adjusting for age, sex, hydroxyurea use, opioid consumption, and numeric pain score. Thus, cold and mechanical pain is significantly worse during an acute SCD painful event as compared to baseline health in patients with SCD.
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22
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McDermott LA, Weir GA, Themistocleous AC, Segerdahl AR, Blesneac I, Baskozos G, Clark AJ, Millar V, Peck LJ, Ebner D, Tracey I, Serra J, Bennett DL. Defining the Functional Role of Na V1.7 in Human Nociception. Neuron 2019; 101:905-919.e8. [PMID: 30795902 PMCID: PMC6424805 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in NaV1.7 cause congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP); this voltage-gated sodium channel is therefore a key target for analgesic drug development. Utilizing a multi-modal approach, we investigated how NaV1.7 mutations lead to human pain insensitivity. Skin biopsy and microneurography revealed an absence of C-fiber nociceptors in CIP patients, reflected in a reduced cortical response to capsaicin on fMRI. Epitope tagging of endogenous NaV1.7 revealed the channel to be localized at the soma membrane, axon, axon terminals, and the nodes of Ranvier of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) nociceptors. CIP patient-derived iPSC nociceptors exhibited an inability to properly respond to depolarizing stimuli, demonstrating that NaV1.7 is a key regulator of excitability. Using this iPSC nociceptor platform, we found that some NaV1.7 blockers undergoing clinical trials lack specificity. CIP, therefore, arises due to a profound loss of functional nociceptors, which is more pronounced than that reported in rodent models, or likely achievable following acute pharmacological blockade. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy A McDermott
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Greg A Weir
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | | | - Andrew R Segerdahl
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Iulia Blesneac
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Georgios Baskozos
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Alex J Clark
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Val Millar
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Liam J Peck
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Daniel Ebner
- Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
| | - Irene Tracey
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK; Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Jordi Serra
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, King's College Hospital, London SE5 9RS, UK
| | - David L Bennett
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
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Abstract
Clinical neurophysiologic investigation of pain pathways in humans is based on specific techniques and approaches, since conventional methods of nerve conduction studies and somatosensory evoked potentials do not explore these pathways. The proposed techniques use various types of painful stimuli (thermal, laser, mechanical, or electrical) and various types of assessments (measurement of sensory thresholds, study of nerve fiber excitability, or recording of electromyographic reflexes or cortical potentials). The two main tests used in clinical practice are quantitative sensory testing and pain-related evoked potentials (PREPs). In particular, PREPs offer the possibility of an objective assessment of nociceptive pathways. Three types of PREPs can be distinguished depending on the type of stimulation used to evoke pain: laser-evoked potentials, contact heat evoked potentials, and intraepidermal electrical stimulation evoked potentials (IEEPs). These three techniques investigate both small-diameter peripheral nociceptive afferents (mainly Aδ nerve fibers) and spinothalamic tracts without theoretically being able to differentiate the level of lesion in the case of abnormal results. In routine clinical practice, PREP recording is a reliable method of investigation for objectifying the existence of a peripheral or central lesion or loss of function concerning the nociceptive pathways, but not the existence of pain. Other methods, such as nerve fiber excitability studies using microneurography, more directly reflect the activities of nociceptive axons in response to provoked pain, but without detecting or quantifying the presence of spontaneous pain. These methods are more often used in research or experimental study design. Thus, it should be kept in mind that most of the results of neurophysiologic investigation performed in clinical practice assess small fiber or spinothalamic tract lesions rather than the neuronal mechanisms directly at the origin of pain and they do not provide objective quantification of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pascal Lefaucheur
- Excitabilité Nerveuse et Thérapeutique, Faculté de Médecine de Créteil, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France; Service de Physiologie-Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.
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24
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Medeiros P, Negrini-Ferrari SE, Medeiros AC, Ferreira LL, da Silva JRT, da Silva JA, Coimbra NC, de Freitas RL. The Primary Motor Cortex Stimulation Attenuates Cold Allodynia in a Chronic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain Condition in <i>Rattus norvegicus</i>. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.4236/wjns.2019.93009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Ackerley R, Watkins RH. Microneurography as a tool to study the function of individual C-fiber afferents in humans: responses from nociceptors, thermoreceptors, and mechanoreceptors. J Neurophysiol 2018; 120:2834-2846. [PMID: 30256737 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00109.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The technique of microneurography-recording neural traffic from nerves in awake humans-has provided us with unrivaled insights into afferent and efferent processes in the peripheral nervous system for over 50 years. We review the use of microneurography to study single C-fiber afferents and provide an overview of the knowledge gained, with views to future investigations. C-fibers have slowly conducting, thin-diameter, unmyelinated axons and make up the majority of the fibers in peripheral nerves (~80%). With the use of microneurography in humans, C-fiber afferents have been differentiated into discrete subclasses that encode specific qualities of stimuli on the skin, and their functional roles have been investigated. Afferent somatosensory information provided by C-fibers underpins various positive and negative affective sensations from the periphery, including mechanical, thermal, and chemical pain (C-nociceptors), temperature (C-thermoreceptors), and positive affective aspects of touch (C-tactile afferents). Insights from microneurographic investigations have revealed the complexity of the C-fiber system, methods for delineating fundamental C-fiber populations in a translational manner, how C-fiber firing can be used to identify nerve deficits in pathological states, and how the responses from C-fibers may be modified to change sensory percepts, including decreasing pain. Understanding these processes may lead to future medical interventions to diagnose and treat C-fiber dysfunction. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The technique of microneurography allows us to directly investigate the functional roles of single C-fiber afferents in awake human beings. Here we outline and discuss the current field of C-fiber research on this heterogeneous population of afferents in healthy subjects, in pathological states, and from a translational perspective. We cover C-fibers encoding touch, temperature, and pain and provide perspectives on the future of C-fiber microneurography investigations in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rochelle Ackerley
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, LNSC (Laboratoire de Neurosciences Sensorielles et Cognitives - UMR 7260), Marseille, France.,Department of Physiology, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
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26
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Filingeri D, Zhang H, Arens EA. Thermosensory micromapping of warm and cold sensitivity across glabrous and hairy skin of male and female hands and feet. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2018; 125:723-736. [DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00158.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of hands and feet to convey skin thermal sensations is an important contributor to our experience of the surrounding world. Surprisingly, the detailed topographical distribution of warm and cold thermosensitivity across hands and feet has not been mapped, although sensitivity maps exist for touch and pain. Using a recently developed quantitative sensory test, we mapped warm and cold thermosensitivity of 103 skin sites over glabrous and hairy skin of hands and feet in male (M; 30.2 ± 5.8 yr) and female (F; 27.7 ± 5.1 yr) adults matched for body surface area (M: 1.77 ± 0.2 m2; F: 1.64 ± 0.1 m2; P = 0.155). Findings indicated that warm and cold thermosensitivity varies by fivefold across glabrous and hairy skin of hands and feet and that hands (warm/cold sensitivity: 1.25/2.14 vote/°C) are twice as sensitive as the feet (warm/cold sensitivity: 0.51/0.99 vote/°C). Opposite to what is known for touch and pain sensitivity, we observed a characteristic distal-to-proximal increase in thermosensitivity over both hairy and glabrous skin (i.e., from fingers and toes to body of hands and feet), and found that hairy skin is more sensitive than glabrous. Finally, we show that body surface area-matched men and women presented small differences in thermosensitivity and that these differences are constrained to glabrous skin only. Our high-density thermosensory micromapping provides the most detailed thermosensitivity maps of hands and feet in young adults available to date. These maps offer a window into peripheral and central mechanisms of thermosensory integration in humans and will help guide future developments in smart skin and sensory neuroprostheses, in wearable, energy-efficient personal comfort systems, and in sport and protective clothing. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We provide the most detailed thermosensitivity maps across glabrous and hairy skin of hands and feet in men and women available to date. Our maps show that thermosensitivity varies by fivefold across hands and feet, distal regions (e.g., fingers, toes) are less sensitive than proximal (e.g., palm, sole), hands are twice as sensitive as feet, and men and women present small thermosensitivity differences. These findings will help guide developments in sensory neuroprostheses, wearable comfort systems, and sport/protective clothing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Filingeri
- THERMOSENSELAB, Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
- Center for the Built Environment, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Hui Zhang
- Center for the Built Environment, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Edward A. Arens
- Center for the Built Environment, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California
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Strzalkowski NDJ, Peters RM, Inglis JT, Bent LR. Cutaneous afferent innervation of the human foot sole: what can we learn from single-unit recordings? J Neurophysiol 2018; 120:1233-1246. [PMID: 29873612 PMCID: PMC6171067 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00848.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous afferents convey exteroceptive information about the interaction of the body with the environment and proprioceptive information about body position and orientation. Four classes of low-threshold mechanoreceptor afferents innervate the foot sole and transmit feedback that facilitates the conscious and reflexive control of standing balance. Experimental manipulation of cutaneous feedback has been shown to alter the control of gait and standing balance. This has led to a growing interest in the design of intervention strategies that enhance cutaneous feedback and improve postural control. The advent of single-unit microneurography has allowed the firing and receptive field characteristics of foot sole cutaneous afferents to be investigated. In this review, we consolidate the available cutaneous afferent microneurographic recordings from the foot sole and provide an analysis of the firing threshold, and receptive field distribution and density of these cutaneous afferents. This work enhances the understanding of the foot sole as a sensory structure and provides a foundation for the continued development of sensory augmentation insoles and other tactile enhancement interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D J Strzalkowski
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Science, University of Guelph , Guelph , Canada
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Calgary , Calgary , Canada
| | - Ryan M Peters
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary , Calgary , Canada
| | - J Timothy Inglis
- School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada
| | - Leah R Bent
- Department of Human Health and Nutritional Science, University of Guelph , Guelph , Canada
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28
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Weyer-Menkhoff I, Thrun M, Lötsch J. Machine-learned analysis of quantitative sensory testing responses to noxious cold stimulation in healthy subjects. Eur J Pain 2018; 22:862-874. [DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- I. Weyer-Menkhoff
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology; Goethe - University; Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - M.C. Thrun
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP; Frankfurt am Main Germany
| | - J. Lötsch
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology; Goethe - University; Frankfurt am Main Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology TMP; Frankfurt am Main Germany
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29
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Peripheral and central determinants of skin wetness sensing in humans. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 156:83-102. [PMID: 30454611 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63912-7.00005-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Evolutionarily, our ability to sense skin wetness and humidity (i.e., hygroreception) could have developed as a way of helping to maintain thermal homeostasis, as much as it is the case for the role of temperature sensation and thermoreception. Humans are not provided with a specific skin hygroreceptor, and recent studies have indicated that skin wetness is likely to be centrally processed as a result of the multisensory integration of peripheral inputs from skin thermoreceptors and mechanoreceptors coding the biophysical interactions between skin and moisture. The existence of a specific hygrosensation strategy for human wetness perception has been proposed and the first neurophysiologic model of skin wetness sensing has been recently developed. However, while these recent findings have shed light on some of the peripheral and central neural mechanisms underlying wetness sensing, our understanding of how the brain processes the thermal and mechanical inputs that give rise to one of our "most worn" skin sensory experiences is still far from being conclusive. Understanding these neural mechanisms is clinically relevant in the context of those neurologic conditions that are accompanied by somatosensory abnormalities. The present chapter will present the current knowledge on the peripheral and central determinants of skin wetness sensing in humans.
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30
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Abstract
Of somatosensory modalities cold is one of the more ambiguous percepts, evoking the pleasant sensation of cooling, the stinging bite of cold pain, and welcome relief from chronic pain. Moreover, unlike the precipitous thermal thresholds for heat activation of thermosensitive afferent neurons, thresholds for cold fibers are across a range of cool to cold temperatures that spans over 30°C. Until recently, how cold produces this myriad of biologic effects was unknown. However, recent advances in our understanding of cold mechanisms at the behavioral, physiologic, and cellular level have begun to provide insights into this sensory modality. The identification of a number of ion channels that either serve as the principal detectors of a cold stimulus in the peripheral nervous system, or are part of a differential expression pattern of channels that maintain cell excitability in the cold, endows select neurons with properties that are amenable to electric signaling in the cold. This chapter highlights the current understanding of the molecules involved in cold transduction in the mammalian peripheral nervous system, as well as presenting a hypothetic model to account for the broad range of cold thermal thresholds and distinct functions of cold fibers in perception, pain, and analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- David D McKemy
- Section of Neurobiology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
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31
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Blondin DP, Haman F. Shivering and nonshivering thermogenesis in skeletal muscles. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2018; 156:153-173. [PMID: 30454588 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63912-7.00010-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Humans have inherited complex neural circuits which drive behavioral, somatic, and autonomic thermoregulatory responses to defend their body temperature. While they are well adapted to dissipate heat in warm climates, they have a reduced capacity to preserve it in cold environments. Consequently, heat production is critical to defending their core temperature. As in other large mammals, skeletal muscles are the primary source of heat production recruited in cold-exposed humans. This is achieved voluntarily in the form of contractions from exercising muscles or involuntarily in the form of contractions from shivering muscles and the recruitment of nonshivering mechanisms. This review describes our current understanding of shivering and nonshivering thermogenesis in skeletal muscles, from the neural circuitry driving their recruitment to the metabolic substrates that fuel them. The presence of these heat-producing mechanisms can be measured in vivo by combining indirect respiratory calorimetry with electromyography or biomedical imaging modalities. Indeed, much of what is known regarding shivering in humans and other animal models stems from studies performed using these methods combined with in situ and in vivo neurologic techniques. More recent investigations have focused on understanding the metabolic processes that produce the heat from both contracting and noncontracting mechanisms. With the growing interest in the potential therapeutic benefits of shivering and nonshivering skeletal muscle to counter the effects of neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases, we expect this field to continue its growth in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis P Blondin
- Department of Medicine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada.
| | - François Haman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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32
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Vizin RCL, Motzko-Soares ACP, Armentano GM, Ishikawa DT, Cruz-Neto AP, Carrettiero DC, Almeida MC. Short-term menthol treatment promotes persistent thermogenesis without induction of compensatory food consumption in Wistar rats: implications for obesity control. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2017; 124:672-683. [PMID: 29357504 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00770.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to evaluate the influence of daily repeated menthol treatments on body mass and thermoregulatory effectors in Wistar rats, considering that menthol is a transient receptor potential melastatin 8 channel agonist that mimics cold sensation and activates thermoregulatory cold-defense mechanisms in mammals, promoting hyperthermia and increasing energy expenditure, and has been suggested as an anti-obesity drug. Male Wistar rats were topically treated with 5% menthol for 3 or 9 consecutive days while body mass, food intake, abdominal temperature, metabolism, cutaneous vasoconstriction, and thermal preference were measured. Menthol promoted hyperthermia on all days of treatment, due to an increase in metabolism and cutaneous vasoconstriction, without affecting food intake, resulting in less mass gain in menthol-hyperthermic animals. As the treatment progressed, the menthol-induced increases in metabolism and hyperthermia were attenuated but not abolished. Moreover, cutaneous vasoconstriction was potentiated, and an increase in the warmth-seeking behavior was induced. Taken together, the results suggest that, although changes occur in thermoeffector recruitment during the course of short-term treatment, menthol is a promising drug to prevent body mass gain. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Menthol produces a persistent increase in energy expenditure, with limited compensatory thermoregulatory adaptations and, most unexpectedly, without affecting food intake. Thus short-term treatment with menthol results in less mass gain in treated animals compared with controls. Our results suggest that menthol is a promising drug for the prevention of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robson Cristiano Lillo Vizin
- Graduate Program on Neuroscience and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC , São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Anna Carolina P Motzko-Soares
- Graduate Program on Neuroscience and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC , São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Giovana Marchini Armentano
- Natural and Humanities Science Center, Universidade Federal do ABC , São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Débora T Ishikawa
- Graduate Program on Neuroscience and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC , São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Ariovaldo P Cruz-Neto
- Department of Zoology, Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Daniel Carneiro Carrettiero
- Graduate Program on Neuroscience and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC , São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo , Brazil.,Natural and Humanities Science Center, Universidade Federal do ABC , São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Maria Camila Almeida
- Graduate Program on Neuroscience and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC , São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo , Brazil.,Natural and Humanities Science Center, Universidade Federal do ABC , São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo , Brazil
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33
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Wu Z, Li N, Cui H, Peng J, Chen H, Liu P. Using Upper Extremity Skin Temperatures to Assess Thermal Comfort in Office Buildings in Changsha, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E1092. [PMID: 28934173 PMCID: PMC5664593 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14101092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Existing thermal comfort field studies are mainly focused on the relationship between the indoor physical environment and the thermal comfort. In numerous chamber experiments, physiological parameters were adopted to assess thermal comfort, but the experiments' conclusions may not represent a realistic thermal environment due to the highly controlled thermal environment and few occupants. This paper focuses on determining the relationships between upper extremity skin temperatures (i.e., finger, wrist, hand and forearm) and the indoor thermal comfort. Also, the applicability of predicting thermal comfort by using upper extremity skin temperatures was explored. Field studies were performed in office buildings equipped with split air-conditioning (SAC) located in the hot summer and cold winter (HSCW) climate zone of China during the summer of 2016. Psychological responses of occupants were recorded and physical and physiological factors were measured simultaneously. Standard effective temperature (SET*) was used to incorporate the effect of humidity and air velocity on thermal comfort. The results indicate that upper extremity skin temperatures are good indicators for predicting thermal sensation, and could be used to assess the thermal comfort in terms of physiological mechanism. In addition, the neutral temperature was 24.7 °C and the upper limit for 80% acceptability was 28.2 °C in SET*.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Wu
- College of Civil Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410081, China.
| | - Nianping Li
- College of Civil Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410081, China.
| | - Haijiao Cui
- College of Civil Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410081, China.
| | - Jinqing Peng
- College of Civil Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410081, China.
| | - Haowen Chen
- College of Civil Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410081, China.
| | - Penglong Liu
- College of Civil Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410081, China.
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34
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Congenital deafness is associated with specific somatosensory deficits in adolescents. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4251. [PMID: 28652589 PMCID: PMC5484691 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04074-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hearing and touch represent two distinct sensory systems that both rely on the transformation of mechanical force into electrical signals. Here we used a battery of quantitative sensory tests to probe touch, thermal and pain sensitivity in a young control population (14–20 years old) compared to age-matched individuals with congenital hearing loss. Sensory testing was performed on the dominant hand of 111 individuals with normal hearing and 36 with congenital hearing loss. Subjects with congenital deafness were characterized by significantly higher vibration detection thresholds at 10 Hz (2-fold increase, P < 0.001) and 125 Hz (P < 0.05) compared to controls. These sensory changes were not accompanied by any major change in measures of pain perception. We also observed a highly significant reduction (30% compared to controls p < 0.001) in the ability of hearing impaired individual’s ability to detect cooling which was not accompanied by changes in warm detection. At least 60% of children with non-syndromic hearing loss showed very significant loss of vibration detection ability (at 10 Hz) compared to age-matched controls. We thus propose that many pathogenic mutations that cause childhood onset deafness may also play a role in the development or functional maintenance of somatic mechanoreceptors.
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35
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Haman F, Blondin DP. Shivering thermogenesis in humans: Origin, contribution and metabolic requirement. Temperature (Austin) 2017; 4:217-226. [PMID: 28944268 DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2017.1328999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
As endotherms, humans exposed to a compensable cold environment rely on an increase in thermogenic rate to counteract heat lost to the environment, thereby maintaining a stable core temperature. This review focuses primarily on the most important contributor of heat production in cold-exposed adult humans, shivering skeletal muscles. Specifically, it presents current understanding on (1) the origins of shivering, (2) the contribution of shivering to total heat production and (3) the metabolic requirements of shivering. Although shivering had commonly been measured as a metabolic outcome measure, considerable research is still needed to clearly identify the neuroanatomical structures and circuits that initiate and modulate shivering and drives the shivering patterns (continuous and burst shivering). One thing is clear, the thermogenic rate in humans can be maintained despite significant inter-individual differences in the thermogenic contribution of shivering, the muscles recruited in shivering, the burst shivering rate and the metabolic substrates used to support shivering. It has also become evident that the variability in burst shivering rate between individuals, despite not influencing heat production, does play a key role in orchestrating metabolic fuel selection in the cold. In addition, advances in our understanding of the thermogenic role of brown adipose tissue have been able to explain, at least in part, the large inter-individual differences in the contribution of shivering to total heat production. Whether these differences in the thermogenic role of shivering have any bearing on cold endurance and survival remains to be established. Despite the available research describing the relative thermogenic importance of shivering skeletal muscles in humans, the advancement in our understanding of how shivering is initiated and modulated is needed. Such research is critical to consider strategies to either reduce its role to improve occupational performance or exploit its metabolic potential for clinical purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Haman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Denis P Blondin
- Department of Medicine, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
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36
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Filingeri D, Ackerley R. The biology of skin wetness perception and its implications in manual function and for reproducing complex somatosensory signals in neuroprosthetics. J Neurophysiol 2017; 117:1761-1775. [PMID: 28123008 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00883.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Our perception of skin wetness is generated readily, yet humans have no known receptor (hygroreceptor) to signal this directly. It is easy to imagine the sensation of water running over our hands or the feel of rain on our skin. The synthetic sensation of wetness is thought to be produced from a combination of specific skin thermal and tactile inputs, registered through thermoreceptors and mechanoreceptors, respectively. The present review explores how thermal and tactile afference from the periphery can generate the percept of wetness centrally. We propose that the main signals include information about skin cooling, signaled primarily by thinly myelinated thermoreceptors, and rapid changes in touch, through fast-conducting, myelinated mechanoreceptors. Potential central sites for integration of these signals, and thus the perception of skin wetness, include the primary and secondary somatosensory cortices and the insula cortex. The interactions underlying these processes can also be modeled to aid in understanding and engineering the mechanisms. Furthermore, we discuss the role that sensing wetness could play in precision grip and the dexterous manipulation of objects. We expand on these lines of inquiry to the application of the knowledge in designing and creating skin sensory feedback in prosthetics. The addition of real-time, complex sensory signals would mark a significant advance in the use and incorporation of prosthetic body parts for amputees in everyday life.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Little is known about the underlying mechanisms that generate the perception of skin wetness. Humans have no specific hygroreceptor, and thus temperature and touch information combine to produce wetness sensations. The present review covers the potential mechanisms leading to the perception of wetness, both peripherally and centrally, along with their implications for manual function. These insights are relevant to inform the design of neuroengineering interfaces, such as sensory prostheses for amputees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Filingeri
- Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom;
| | - Rochelle Ackerley
- Department of Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden; and.,Laboratoire Neurosciences Intégratives et Adaptatives (UMR 7260), Aix Marseille Université-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Marseille, France
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37
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Filingeri D, Morris NB, Jay O. Warm hands, cold heart: progressive whole-body cooling increases warm thermosensitivity of human hands and feet in a dose-dependent fashion. Exp Physiol 2016; 102:100-112. [DOI: 10.1113/ep085955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Filingeri
- Thermal Ergonomics Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences; University of Sydney; NSW Australia
- Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre; Loughborough University; Loughborough UK
| | - Nathan B. Morris
- Thermal Ergonomics Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences; University of Sydney; NSW Australia
| | - Ollie Jay
- Thermal Ergonomics Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences; University of Sydney; NSW Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre; University of Sydney; NSW Australia
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38
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Takeda R, Imai D, Suzuki A, Ota A, Naghavi N, Yamashina Y, Hirasawa Y, Yokoyama H, Miyagawa T, Okazaki K. Thermal sensation during mild hyperthermia is modulated by acute postural change in humans. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2016; 60:1925-1932. [PMID: 27146287 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-016-1179-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/23/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Thermal sensation represents the primary stimulus for behavioral and autonomic thermoregulation. We assessed whether the sensation of skin and core temperatures for the driving force of behavioral thermoregulation was modified by postural change from the supine (Sup) to sitting (Sit) during mild hyperthermia. Seventeen healthy young men underwent measurements of noticeable increase and decrease (±0.1 °C/s) of skin temperature (thresholds of warm and cold sensation on the skin, 6.25 cm2 of area) at the forearm and chest and of the whole-body warm sensation in the Sup and Sit during normothermia (NT; esophageal temperature (Tes), ∼36.6 °C) and mild hyperthermia (HT; Tes, ∼37.2 °C; lower legs immersion in 42 °C of water). The threshold for cold sensation on the skin at chest was lower during HT than NT in the Sit (P < 0.05) but not in Sup, and at the forearm was lower during HT than NT in the Sup and further in Sit (both, P < 0.05), with interactive effects of temperature (NT vs. HT) × posture (Sup vs. Sit) (chest, P = 0.08; forearm, P < 0.05). The threshold for warm sensation on the skin at both sites remained unchanged with changes in body posture or temperature. The whole-body warm sensation was higher during HT than NT in both postures and higher in the Sit than Sup during both NT and HT (all, P < 0.05). Thus, thermal sensation during mild hyperthermia is modulated by postural change from supine to sitting to sense lesser cold on the skin and more whole-body warmth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Takeda
- Department of Environmental Physiology for Exercise, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - Daiki Imai
- Department of Environmental Physiology for Exercise, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
- Research Center for Urban Health and Sports, Osaka City University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - Akina Suzuki
- Department of Environmental Physiology for Exercise, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - Akemi Ota
- Department of Environmental Physiology for Exercise, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - Nooshin Naghavi
- Department of Environmental Physiology for Exercise, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Yamashina
- Department of Environmental Physiology for Exercise, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Hirasawa
- Department of Environmental Physiology for Exercise, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - Hisayo Yokoyama
- Department of Environmental Physiology for Exercise, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
- Research Center for Urban Health and Sports, Osaka City University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Miyagawa
- Department of Environmental Physiology for Exercise, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
- Research Center for Urban Health and Sports, Osaka City University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - Kazunobu Okazaki
- Department of Environmental Physiology for Exercise, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan.
- Research Center for Urban Health and Sports, Osaka City University, 3-3-138 Sugimoto, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan.
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Lolignier S, Gkika D, Andersson D, Leipold E, Vetter I, Viana F, Noël J, Busserolles J. New Insight in Cold Pain: Role of Ion Channels, Modulation, and Clinical Perspectives. J Neurosci 2016; 36:11435-11439. [PMID: 27911746 PMCID: PMC6601718 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2327-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cold temperature detection involves the process of sensory transduction in cutaneous primary sensory nerve terminals, which converts thermal stimuli into depolarizations of the membrane. This transformation into electrical signals is followed by the subsequent propagation of action potentials in cold-sensitive afferent nerve fibers. A large array of ion channels shapes this process; however, the precise contribution of specific ion channel subtypes to cold perception and cold pain remains elusive. This review aims at giving an update on our current understanding of the role played by TRPs, leak K+ and voltage-gated Na+ and K+ channels in the transduction of cold by nociceptors and in cold-induced pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Lolignier
- Clermont Université, Université d'Auvergne, Pharmacologie fondamentale et clinique de la douleur, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Inserm, U 1107, Neuro-Dol, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Dimitra Gkika
- Laboratoire de Physiologie cellulaire, Inserm U1003, Laboratory of Excellence, Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics, Université Lille 1, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France
| | - David Andersson
- King's College London, Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases Wolfson Wing, SE1 1UL London, United Kingdom
| | - Enrico Leipold
- Institut für Biochemie und Biophysik, D-07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience and School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Felix Viana
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante Universidad Miguel Hernandez/CSIC Avda. S. Ramón y Cajal s.n. San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain
| | - Jacques Noël
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS UMR 7275, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, France, and
- LabEx Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Jérôme Busserolles
- Clermont Université, Université d'Auvergne, Pharmacologie fondamentale et clinique de la douleur, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France,
- Inserm, U 1107, Neuro-Dol, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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40
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Chortos A, Liu J, Bao Z. Pursuing prosthetic electronic skin. NATURE MATERIALS 2016; 15:937-50. [PMID: 27376685 DOI: 10.1038/nmat4671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 837] [Impact Index Per Article: 104.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Skin plays an important role in mediating our interactions with the world. Recreating the properties of skin using electronic devices could have profound implications for prosthetics and medicine. The pursuit of artificial skin has inspired innovations in materials to imitate skin's unique characteristics, including mechanical durability and stretchability, biodegradability, and the ability to measure a diversity of complex sensations over large areas. New materials and fabrication strategies are being developed to make mechanically compliant and multifunctional skin-like electronics, and improve brain/machine interfaces that enable transmission of the skin's signals into the body. This Review will cover materials and devices designed for mimicking the skin's ability to sense and generate biomimetic signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Chortos
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Zhenan Bao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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Cankar K, Music M, Finderle Z. Cutaneous microvascular response during local cold exposure - the effect of female sex hormones and cold perception. Microvasc Res 2016; 108:34-40. [PMID: 27430896 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
It is generally known that differences exist between males and females with regard to sensitivity to cold. Similar differences even among females in different hormonal balance might influence microvascular response during cold provocation testing. The aim of the present study was to measure sex hormone levels, cold and cold pain perception thresholds and compare them to cutaneous laser-Doppler flux response during local cooling in both the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. In the luteal phase a more pronounced decrease in laser-Doppler flux was observed compared to follicular phase during local cooling at 15°C (significant difference by Dunnett's test, p<0.05). In addition, statistically significant correlations between progesterone level and laser-Doppler flux response to local cooling were observed during the follicular (R=-0.552, p=0.0174) and during the luteal phases (R=0.520, p=0.0271). In contrast, the correlation between estradiol level and laser-Doppler flux response was observed only in the follicular phase (R=-0.506, p=0.0324). Our results show that individual sensitivity to cold influences cutaneous microvascular response to local cooling; that microvascular reactivity is more pronounced during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle; and that reactivity correlates with hormone levels. The effect of specific sex hormone levels is related to the cold-provocation temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenija Cankar
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Mark Music
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Zare Finderle
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Hüllemann P, Nerdal A, Binder A, Helfert S, Reimer M, Baron R. Cold-evoked potentials - Ready for clinical use? Eur J Pain 2016; 20:1730-1740. [DOI: 10.1002/ejp.896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P. Hüllemann
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy; Department of Neurology; University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein; Campus Kiel Germany
| | - A. Nerdal
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy; Department of Neurology; University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein; Campus Kiel Germany
| | - A. Binder
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy; Department of Neurology; University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein; Campus Kiel Germany
| | - S. Helfert
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy; Department of Neurology; University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein; Campus Kiel Germany
| | - M. Reimer
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy; Department of Neurology; University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein; Campus Kiel Germany
| | - R. Baron
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy; Department of Neurology; University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein; Campus Kiel Germany
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44
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Takeda R, Imai D, Suzuki A, Ota A, Naghavi N, Yamashina Y, Hirasawa Y, Yokoyama H, Miyagawa T, Okazaki K. Lower thermal sensation in normothermic and mildly hyperthermic older adults. Eur J Appl Physiol 2016; 116:975-84. [PMID: 27015984 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-016-3364-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE It is important to know how thermal sensation is affected by normal aging under conditions that elevate core body temperature for the prevention of heat-related illness in older people. We assessed whether thermal sensation under conditions of normothermia (NT) and mild hyperthermia (HT) is lowered in older adults. METHODS Seventeen younger (23 ± 3 years) and 12 older (71 ± 3 years) healthy men underwent measurements of the cold and warmth detection thresholds ( ± 0.1 °C/s) of their chest and forearm skin, and whole body warmth perception under NT (esophageal temperature, T es, ~36.5 °C) and HT (T es, ~37.3 °C; lower legs immersed in 42 °C water) conditions. RESULTS Warmth detection threshold at the forearm was increased in older compared with younger participants under both NT (P = 0.006) and HT (P = 0.004) conditions. In contrast, cold detection threshold at the forearm was decreased in older compared with younger participants under NT (P = 0.001) but not HT (P = 0.16). Mild hyperthermia decreased cold detection threshold at forearm in younger participants (P = 0.001) only. There were no effects of age and condition on warmth and cold detection thresholds at chest. Whole body warmth perception increased during HT compared with NT in both groups (both, P < 0.001), and older participants had lower values than the younger group under NT (P = 0.001) and HT (P = 0.051). CONCLUSIONS Skin warmth detection thresholds at forearm and whole body warmth perception under NT and HT and skin cold detection thresholds at forearm under NT deteriorated with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Takeda
- Department of Environmental Physiology for Exercise, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - Daiki Imai
- Department of Environmental Physiology for Exercise, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan.,Research Center for Urban Health and Sports, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akina Suzuki
- Department of Environmental Physiology for Exercise, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - Akemi Ota
- Department of Environmental Physiology for Exercise, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - Nooshin Naghavi
- Department of Environmental Physiology for Exercise, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Yamashina
- Department of Environmental Physiology for Exercise, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Hirasawa
- Department of Environmental Physiology for Exercise, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - Hisayo Yokoyama
- Department of Environmental Physiology for Exercise, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan.,Research Center for Urban Health and Sports, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Miyagawa
- Department of Environmental Physiology for Exercise, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan.,Research Center for Urban Health and Sports, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazunobu Okazaki
- Department of Environmental Physiology for Exercise, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-3-138 Sugimoto Sumiyoshi, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan. .,Research Center for Urban Health and Sports, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan.
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Touska F, Winter Z, Mueller A, Vlachova V, Larsen J, Zimmermann K. Comprehensive thermal preference phenotyping in mice using a novel automated circular gradient assay. Temperature (Austin) 2016; 3:77-91. [PMID: 27227099 PMCID: PMC4861200 DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2015.1135689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently available behavioral assays to quantify normal cold sensitivity, cold hypersensitivity and cold hyperalgesia in mice have betimes created conflicting results in the literature. Some only capture a limited spectrum of thermal experiences, others are prone to experimenter bias or are not sensitive enough to detect the contribution of ion channels to cold sensing because in mice smaller alterations in cold nociception do not manifest as frank behavioral changes. To overcome current limitations we have designed a novel device that is automated, provides a high degree of freedom, i.e. thermal choice, and eliminates experimenter bias. The device represents a thermal gradient assay designed as a circular running track. It allows discerning exploratory behavior from thermal selection behavior and provides increased accuracy by providing measured values in duplicate and by removing edge artifacts. Our custom-designed automated offline analysis by a blob detection algorithm is devoid of movement artifacts, removes light reflection artifacts and provides an internal quality control parameter which we validated. The assay delivers discrete information on a large range of parameters extracted from the occupancy of thermally defined zones such as preference temperature and skew of the distribution. We demonstrate that the assay allows increasingly accurate phenotyping of thermal sensitivity in transgenic mice by disclosing yet unrecognized details on the phenotypes of TRPM8-, TRPA1- and TRPM8/A1-deficient mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Touska
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie am Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zoltán Winter
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie am Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg , Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexander Mueller
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie am Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg , Erlangen, Germany
| | - Viktorie Vlachova
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences , Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Katharina Zimmermann
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie am Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg , Erlangen, Germany
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Gerrett N, Ouzzahra Y, Redortier B, Voelcker T, Havenith G. Female thermal sensitivity to hot and cold during rest and exercise. Physiol Behav 2015; 152:11-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Blondin DP, Tingelstad HC, Mantha OL, Gosselin C, Haman F. Maintaining thermogenesis in cold exposed humans: relying on multiple metabolic pathways. Compr Physiol 2015; 4:1383-402. [PMID: 25428848 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c130043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In cold exposed humans, increasing thermogenic rate is essential to prevent decreases in core temperature. This review describes the metabolic requirements of thermogenic pathways, mainly shivering thermogenesis, the largest contributor of heat. Research has shown that thermogenesis is sustained from a combination of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. The mixture of fuels is influenced by shivering intensity and pattern as well as by modifications in energy reserves and nutritional status. To date, there are no indications that differences in the types of fuel being used can alter shivering and overall heat production. We also bring forth the potential contribution of nonshivering thermogenesis in adult humans via the activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and explore some means to stimulate the activity of this highly thermogenic tissue. Clearly, the potential role of BAT, especially in young lean adults, can no longer be ignored. However, much work remains to clearly identify the quantitative nature of this tissue's contribution to total thermogenic rate and influence on shivering thermogenesis. Identifying ways to potentiate the effects of BAT via cold acclimation and/or the ingestion of compounds that stimulate the thermogenic process may have important implications in cold endurance and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis P Blondin
- Department of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Filingeri D, Havenith G. Human skin wetness perception: psychophysical and neurophysiological bases. Temperature (Austin) 2015; 2:86-104. [PMID: 27227008 PMCID: PMC4843859 DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2015.1008878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to perceive thermal changes in the surrounding environment is critical for survival. However, sensing temperature is not the only factor among the cutaneous sensations to contribute to thermoregulatory responses in humans. Sensing skin wetness (i.e. hygrosensation) is also critical both for behavioral and autonomic adaptations. Although much has been done to define the biophysical role of skin wetness in contributing to thermal homeostasis, little is known on the neurophysiological mechanisms underpinning the ability to sense skin wetness. Humans are not provided with skin humidity receptors (i.e., hygroreceptors) and psychophysical studies have identified potential sensory cues (i.e. thermal and mechanosensory) which could contribute to sensing wetness. Recently, a neurophysiological model of human wetness sensitivity has been developed. In helping clarifying the peripheral and central neural mechanisms involved in sensing skin wetness, this model has provided evidence for the existence of a specific human hygrosensation strategy, which is underpinned by perceptual learning via sensory experience. Remarkably, this strategy seems to be shared by other hygroreceptor-lacking animals. However, questions remain on whether these sensory mechanisms are underpinned by specific neuromolecular pathways in humans. Although the first study on human wetness perception dates back to more than 100 years, it is surprising that the neurophysiological bases of such an important sensory feature have only recently started to be unveiled. Hence, to provide an overview of the current knowledge on human hygrosensation, along with potential directions for future research, this review will examine the psychophysical and neurophysiological bases of human skin wetness perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Filingeri
- Environmental Ergonomics Research Center; Loughborough Design School; Loughborough University; Loughborough, UK
| | - George Havenith
- Environmental Ergonomics Research Center; Loughborough Design School; Loughborough University; Loughborough, UK
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Yin K, Zimmermann K, Vetter I, Lewis RJ. Therapeutic opportunities for targeting cold pain pathways. Biochem Pharmacol 2015; 93:125-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Allodynia and hyperalgesia in neuropathic pain: clinical manifestations and mechanisms. Lancet Neurol 2014; 13:924-35. [PMID: 25142459 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(14)70102-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 516] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Allodynia (pain due to a stimulus that does not usually provoke pain) and hyperalgesia (increased pain from a stimulus that usually provokes pain) are prominent symptoms in patients with neuropathic pain. Both are seen in various peripheral neuropathies and central pain disorders, and affect 15-50% of patients with neuropathic pain. Allodynia and hyperalgesia are classified according to the sensory modality (touch, pressure, pinprick, cold, and heat) that is used to elicit the sensation. Peripheral sensitisation and maladaptive central changes contribute to the generation and maintenance of these reactions, with separate mechanisms in different subtypes of allodynia and hyperalgesia. Pain intensity and relief are important measures in clinical pain studies, but might be insufficient to capture the complexity of the pain experience. Better understanding of allodynia and hyperalgesia might provide clues to the underlying pathophysiology of neuropathic pain and, as such, they represent new or additional endpoints in pain trials.
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