Perceptual correlates of homosynaptic long-term potentiation in human nociceptive pathways: a replication study.

ABSTRACT: Animal studies have shown that high-frequency stimulation (HFS) of peripheral C-fibres induces long-term potentiation (LTP) within spinal nociceptive pathways. The aim of this replication study was to assess if a perceptual correlate of LTP can be observed in humans. In 20 healthy volunteers, we applied HFS to the left or right volar forearm. Before and after applying HFS, we delivered single electrical test stimuli through the HFS electrode while a second electrode at the contra-lateral arm served as a control condition. Moreover, to test the efficacy of the HFS protocol, we quantified changes in mechanical pinprick sensitivity before and after HFS of the skin surrounding both electrodes. The perceived intensity was collected for both electrical and mechanical stimuli. After HFS, the perc

SUBMITTER: van den Broeke EN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7890496 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature