European journal of pain : EJP
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Committed action is a relatively understudied facet of the psychological flexibility model but a potentially important process of overt behaviour in relation to chronic pain. In this study, we take a previously developed measure of committed action, the Committed Action Questionnaire (CAQ), and validate a shorter version. ⋯ The CAQ-8 appears equally adequate as the CAQ as a measure of committed action. Its development ought to facilitate further study of this process of engagement in activity and of the wider psychological flexibility model in relation to chronic pain.
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Approximately 20% of patients experience chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) after total knee replacement (TKR). There is scope to improve assessment of CPSP after TKR, and this study aimed to develop a core outcome set. ⋯ This core outcome set serves to guide assessment of CPSP after TKR. Consistency in assessment can promote standardized reporting and facilitate comparability between studies that address a common but understudied type of CPSP.
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Synovial fluid in inflamed joint shows a drop in pH, which activates proton-gated ion channels in nociceptors. No studies have ever tried to develop and characterize acid-induced joint pain. ⋯ We developed and characterized a model of acid-induced long-lasting bilateral joint pain. Peripheral ASIC3 and spinal p-CREB played important roles for the development of hyperalgesia. This animal model gives insights into the mechanisms of joint pain, which is helpful in developing better pain treatments.
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Headache is one of the most common symptoms following traumatic head injury. The mechanisms underlying the emergence of such post-traumatic headache (PTH) remain unknown but may be related to injury of deep cranial tissues or damage to central pain processing pathways, as a result of brain injury. ⋯ Our study demonstrates that mild closed head injury is associated with enhanced processing of nociceptive information emanating from trigeminal-innervated deep cranial tissues, but not from non-cranial tissues. Based on these finding as well as the demonstration of head injury-evoked degranulation of calvarial periosteal mast cells, we propose that inflammatory-evoked enhancement of peripheral cranial nociception, rather than changes in supraspinal pain mechanisms play a role in the initial emergence of PTH. Peripheral targeting of nociceptors that innervate the calvaria may be used to ameliorate PTH pain.
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The noradrenergic system contributes to pain modulation, but the roles of its specific adrenoceptors are still being defined. We have identified a novel, potent (rat EC50 = 4.3 nM) and selective α2B receptor agonist, A-1262543, to further explore this adrenoceptor subtype's contribution to pathological nociception. ⋯ These data highlight that activation of the α2B adrenoceptor as well as inhibiting NA and 5-HT reuptake can result in modulating the ascending nociceptive system, and in particular, dampening the firing of PR neurones in the mPFC.