Prolongation of mechanical hyperalgesia by non nociceptive afferent input

Introduction: It is well known that discharges in afferent nociceptive neurons sensitize nociceptive spinal horn neuron cells. The mechanism of central sensitization represents a physiological process which is reversible after the discharges in nociceptive neurons has subsided. However, in chronic pain conditions a dissociation between peripheral nociceptor activity and sensitization of central neurons can be observed. Despite this the knowledge about the mechanisms contributing to the maintance of central sensitization is very limited. In the present study we investigated in an animal model if after initial C-f…