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Hyperexcitable C nociceptors in fibromyalgia.
Jordi Serra1, Antonio Collado, Romà Solà
1Department of Neurology, MC Mutual, Barcelona, Spain; Neuroscience Technologies, Barcelona Science Park, Barcelona, Spain.
Annals of Neurology
|November 19, 2013
Summary
Fibromyalgia patients often have abnormal C nociceptors, specifically silent ones, showing hyperexcitability and increased sensitivity. This dysfunction may explain the chronic pain and tenderness experienced by individuals with fibromyalgia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Neurology
Background:
- Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder with unknown pathophysiology.
- Peripheral C nociceptor dysfunction is a potential contributor to fibromyalgia symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate C nociceptor function in fibromyalgia patients.
- To determine if C nociceptor dysfunction contributes to fibromyalgia symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Microneurography was used to record C nociceptors in 30 female fibromyalgia patients.
- Recordings were compared to 17 female small-fiber neuropathy patients and 9 female controls.
Main Results:
- Silent C nociceptors in 76.6% of fibromyalgia patients showed abnormalities, including spontaneous activity and mechanical hypersensitivity.
- Abnormal activity-dependent slowing of conduction velocity was more frequent in fibromyalgia patients than controls.
- Mechanosensitive nociceptors appeared normal in fibromyalgia patients.
Conclusions:
- The majority of fibromyalgia patients exhibit abnormal C nociceptor function.
- Hyperexcitability of silent C nociceptors in fibromyalgia resembles small-fiber neuropathy.
- Abnormal C nociceptor activity and sensitivity may underlie fibromyalgia pain.
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