European journal of pain : EJP
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Injection of the noxious peptide Bv8 has previously been shown to induce a biphasic thermal hyperalgesia in rodents, the first peak presumably due to peripheral sensitization. This hypothesis has never been directly confirmed. We have assessed whether Bv8 can indeed sensitize peripheral nerve fibres in the mouse to heat. ⋯ Our results thus support the hypothesis that the first hyperalgesic phase to follow Bv8 injection to hind paws of intact animals is due to peripheral sensitization of nociceptors. WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD?: Our data provide mechanistic insights into the effect Bv8 application exerts on afferent nerve endings and into the concomitant development of thermal hyperalgesia.