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Modulation of pain-induced endothelial dysfunction by hypnotisability.
Zoltan Jambrik1, Enrica L Santarcangelo, Tibor Rudisch
1II Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology Centre, University of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Pisa University, Italy Department of Neuropsychology Rehabilitation, Szeged University, Hungary Department of Physiology, University of Siena, Via A. Moro, 4 Siena, Italy.
Pain
|June 28, 2005
Summary
Highly hypnotizable individuals exhibit natural protection against pain-induced endothelial dysfunction. Analgesia instructions in these individuals prevent the reduction in brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD).
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Psychoneuroimmunology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Mental stress can cause endothelial dysfunction, impairing blood vessel function.
- This dysfunction, a reduction in brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), is absent in highly hypnotizable individuals (Highs).
- Previous research suggests Highs are protected from mental stress-induced vascular effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if acute pain (nociceptive stimulation) induces endothelial dysfunction.
- To determine if high hypnotizability and/or analgesia instructions can prevent pain-induced endothelial dysfunction in awake Highs.
Main Methods:
- Nine Highs and nine low hypnotizability subjects (Lows) were exposed to painful stimuli and painful stimuli with analgesia instructions.
- Measurements included heart rate, basal artery diameter, and brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD).
Main Results:
- Both Highs and Lows showed decreased FMD during painful stimulation, but the reduction was less pronounced in Highs.
- During painful stimulation with analgesia instructions, only Highs reported pain relief, and their FMD did not decrease.
- Heart rate changes were minimal and not influenced by hypnotizability.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence that acute pain can induce endothelial dysfunction.
- High hypnotizability offers a protective effect against the vascular consequences of acute pain.
- Analgesia instructions can prevent pain-related endothelial dysfunction in highly hypnotizable individuals.