Controlled dermal cell damage as human in vivo model for localised pain and inflammation.
OBJECTIVE
An unspecific human in vivo model of dermal pain and inflammation was developed by means of limited, localised and controlled cell damage.


METHODS
Twelve participants were recruited.


METHODS
Dermal microdialysis was used to deliver randomised and single blinded aqueous sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) at concentrations of 0.01%, 0.1% and 0.5% w/v to the volar forearm.


METHODS
Nociceptive responses were recorded on a numerical scale, vasodilatation was assessed by laser Doppler scanning and sampled tissue fluid was analysed for PGE2 by ELISA.


RESULTS
Saline control and 0.01% SDS did not differ in their ability to cause vasodilatation, flare reaction or pain. In contrast, SDS (0.1 and 0.5%) evoked a significant increase of blood flow (p<0.005), a widespread reddening (p<0.01), and stinging-burning pain (p<0.005). PGE2 concentration in the dialysate did not change during 0.01% SDS perfusion (p>0.9), but increased significantly following the stimulation with 0.1% and 0.5% SDS (20 to 30-fold). No significant differences of released PGE2 levels were determined between 0.1% and 0.5% SDS stimulation (p>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
We demonstrated that localised intradermal administration of SDS induces a limited pain and inflammatory response in humans. Excitation of nociceptors was accompanied by a massive PGE2 release. Employing this experimental model, the relative contribution of endogenous mediators to induce, maintain or facilitate pain and vasodilatation can be investigated.
Fairweather
I
I
Unilever R & D Laboratory Port Sunlight, Wirral, United Kingdom.
McGlone
F
F
Reilly
D
D
Rukwied
R
R
D000328:Adult; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017551:Microdialysis; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D010146:Pain / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate; D015232:Dinoprostone