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Sensory nerve conduction during cold pressor response in humans
1Department of Physiology, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi.
The Indian Journal of Medical Research
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Cold pain during the cold pressor test (CPT) significantly reduces median nerve sensory conduction velocity (SCV) in healthy individuals. This suggests sympathetic overactivity and pain impact nerve function and blood pressure regulation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Pain Research
Background:
- The cold pressor test (CPT) is a widely used experimental model to induce pain and study autonomic responses.
- Sensory conduction velocity (SCV) measures the speed of nerve signal transmission, reflecting nerve health and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between autonomic responses and pain during the CPT and median nerve SCV.
- To determine how experimental pain and autonomic changes affect peripheral nerve conduction.
Main Methods:
- 19 healthy subjects underwent the CPT with their non-dominant hand.
- Pain parameters, heart rate, blood pressure, and median nerve SCV of the dominant hand were recorded.
- SCV was measured using orthodromic stimulation and averaging evoked action potentials.
Main Results:
- Median nerve SCV and evoked response amplitude significantly decreased during the CPT.
- A significant relationship was observed between SCV and diastolic blood pressure prior to the CPT.
- SCV values recorded were approximately 57 m/sec before, during, and after the CPT.
Conclusions:
- Sympathetic overactivity and/or cold-induced pain negatively interact with sensory conduction in the contralateral median nerve, reducing SCV.
- Findings indicate a relationship between SCV and vasomotor mechanisms controlling peripheral resistance and diastolic blood pressure.