European journal of pain : EJP
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Some studies have shown a somatic nociceptive response due to the activation of transient receptor potential A1 channels (TRPA1), which is modulated by the TRPA1 antagonist HC-030031. However, a few studies report the role of TRPA1 in visceral pain. Therefore, we investigated the participation of TRPA1 in visceral nociception and the involvement of nitric oxide, the opioid system and resident cells in the modulation of these channels. ⋯ Our findings suggest that the blockade of TRPA1 attenuates visceral nociception by a mechanism independent of the modulation of resident cells, nitric oxide and opioid pathways.
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Previous studies have shown 17β-estradiol will reduce temporomandibular joint (TMJ) inflammation and hypersensitivity in female rats. Although male rats contain significant amounts of oestradiol, it was unknown whether a physiological concentration of 17β-estradiol would attenuate male TMJ inflammation and nociception. ⋯ Similar to females, male rats with TMJ inflammation showed a reduced nociceptive response after treatment with a physiological concentration of oestradiol suggesting the effects of oestradiol treatment were not constrained by organizational processes in the males.
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Pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two of the most common health complaints among US veterans. Studies suggest that the co-morbidity of these disorders exacerbates veterans' experiences of chronic pain. Although a limited number of papers have reviewed reasons for this exacerbation, no studies have explored the potential contribution of significant others' responses to veterans' experience of pain in the context of PTSD symptomatology. The purpose of this study was to explore whether significant others' responses to chronic pain differed for veterans with and without clinical levels of PTSD symptoms. It was hypothesized that veterans who presented with higher levels of PTSD symptomatology would report higher levels of 'punishing' responses to their pain from significant others. ⋯ The presence of more punishing responses may impact the cognitive-behavioural components of the chronic pain experience. For example, it may worsen negative affect, which can thus impact the fear-avoidance model. Further discussion focuses on the implications of these results, including guidelines for clinical applications.