Cold hyposensitivity after topical application of capsaicin in humans.
Capsaicin activates the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 receptor (TRPV1) on small sensory afferents, and capsaicin is commonly used to elucidate mechanisms of neuropathic pain. This study was performed to describe changes in cold and cold pain perception after topically applied capsaicin. Fourteen healthy subjects were included. Cold detection and cold pain thresholds and the response to suprathreshold cold stimuli were evaluated before and after topical application of capsaicin (200 microl, 50 mg/ml in 70% ethanol solution, 10.2 cm2) for 30 min. The skin temperature was kept between 34 and 35 degrees C. At the site of capsaicin application (the primary area), we found profound cold hypoesthesia and hypoalgesia, while outside the application site (the secondary area) there were no difference in the changes in cold detection and cold pain thresholds and cold-induced pain compared to the control arm. These results suggest a peripheral mediated decrease in cold sensation following TPRV1 receptor activation.
Callsen
Mikkel G
MG
Danish Pain Research Center and Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Norrebrogade 44, Aarhus, Denmark.
Moller
Anette T
AT
Sorensen
Karsten
K
Jensen
Troels S
TS
Finnerup
Nanna B
NB
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000344:Afferent Pathways / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D002211:Capsaicin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003080:Cold Temperature; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D010465:Perception / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects; D012016:Reference Values; D012677:Sensation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D012881:Skin Temperature; D050916:TRPV Cation Channels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013697:Thermosensing / Q000187:drug effects*; D055815:Young Adult
D050916:TRPV Cation Channels; C494482:TRPV1 protein, human; D002211:Capsaicin