University Center for Adaptive Disorders and Headache, University of Pavia, C. Mondino Foundation, Italy.
The nociceptive flexion reflex as a tool for exploring pain control systems in headache and other pain syndromes. [Review] [61 refs]
Cephalalgia. 13(1):21-7, 1993 Feb.
Abstract:
The authors review the neural pathways mediating nociceptive flexion reflexes, the method for analyzing these reflexes in human beings, and available data on their modulation by supraspinal, opioid as well as serotonergic systems. They present results of studies of the biceps femoris flexion reflex (RIII) in pain syndromes and various types of headache. Nociceptive flexor reflexes appear to be interesting for studying the pathophysiology of head pain mechanisms and possibly for evaluating analgesic treatment.
[References: 61]
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain.
Modulation of neuropathic pain in rats by intrathecally injected serotonergic agonists.
Neuroreport. 6(18):2585-8, 1995 Dec 15.
Abstract:
The involvement of spinal cord serotonergic influences in the development of autotomy, a proposed behavioural model of denervation pain, was studied in rats subjected to sciatic and saphenous nerve transection 5min after intrathecal injection of 100 or 200 mu g of several serotonergic receptor subtype agonists. Injection of 8-OH-DPAT, m-CPP, 2-m-5-HT and a low dose of 5-HT, significantly shifted one or more of the parameters describing autotomy to less intense behaviour. In contrast, the injection of CGS-12066B and DOI intensified autotomy. These results suggest both a modulatory role for spinal cord serotonin in the events occurring shortly after neurectomy and new therapeutic approaches for the prevention of certain pain syndromes, such as phantom limb pain.
