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Peripheral thermosensation is the perception of external temperature. A change in temperature (on the surface of the skin and other tissues) is detected by a family of temperature-sensitive ion channels called Transient Receptor Potential, or TRP, receptors. These receptors are located on free nerve endings. Those detecting cold temperatures are closer to the surface of the skin than the nerve endings detecting warmth. These thermoTRP channels, while temperature selective, have relatively...
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The thermal grill elicits central sensitization.

Matthew Alexander Cormie1,2, David Anthony Seminowicz1,3, Massieh Moayedi1,2

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The thermal grill illusion (TGI) causes burning pain from harmless temperatures. This study found TGI activates spinal cord pathways and, in males, peripheral pain nerves, suggesting sex-dependent pain mechanisms.

Keywords:
Altered statesIllusionPainParadoxical heatPrimary afferentsSensory physiologySomatosensory systemThermal

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pain Research
  • Sensory Physiology

Background:

  • The thermal grill illusion (TGI) paradoxically generates burning pain from innocuous warm and cool stimuli.
  • Existing theories suggest TGI involves spinal dorsal horn integration of thermal inputs.
  • It is unclear if TGI activates peripheral nociceptors or relies solely on central processing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanisms of the thermal grill illusion (TGI).
  • To determine if TGI elicits primary hyperalgesia, secondary hyperalgesia, or brush allodynia.
  • To explore potential sex differences in TGI-induced hyperalgesia.

Main Methods:

  • Fifty-two participants received calibrated phasic thermal grill stimulation.
  • Assessment of primary hyperalgesia, secondary hyperalgesia, and brush allodynia.
  • Analysis of sex-specific responses to TGI.

Main Results:

  • Calibrated TGI induced primary hyperalgesia only when component temperatures were noxious (<19°C and >41°C).
  • Secondary hyperalgesia was observed even with strictly innocuous thermal inputs.
  • No brush allodynia was detected; males, but not females, showed primary hyperalgesia.

Conclusions:

  • TGI involves spinal dorsal horn integration, potentially via heat-pinch-cold (HPC) neurons.
  • Peripheral nociceptive afferents may contribute to TGI in males.
  • Calibrated TGI exhibits sex-dependent mechanisms, involving HPC cells in illusory pain perception.