Concomitant increase in nociceptive flexion reflex threshold and plasma opioids following transcutaneous nerve stimulation. 1984

Fabio Facchinetti, and Giorgio Sandrini, and Felice Petraglia, and Enrico Alfonsi, and Giuseppe Nappi, and Andrea R Genazzani
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena, ModenaItaly Department of Neurology, Headache Centre, University of Pavia, PaviaItaly.

In order to evaluate the role of endogenous opioids in sustaining analgesia induced by transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TNS), we measured plasma beta-lipotropin (BLPH), beta-endorphin (BEP), ACTH and cortisol changes concomitantly with nociceptive flexion reflex (RIII) threshold after TNS (80 microseconds rectangular waves at 85 Hz) in a group of healthy volunteers (A). The same protocol was carried out in another group of volunteers using placebo stimulation (0.5 Hz) (B). RIII threshold significantly increased 0.5 h after TNS in group A and no changes were recorded in group B. Similarly, both BLPH and BEP plasma levels increased at the end of TNS only in group A. ACTH and cortisol concentrations show only random variations after both high and low frequency TNS. A positive linear correlation was found between the maximum percentage increase of RIII threshold after high frequency TNS and the maximum percentage increase of BLPH plasma levels occurring 20 min beforehand (r = 0.856, P less than 0.001). A less positive correlation was found between RIII and BEP levels (r = 0.574, P less than 0.05). These data indicate that the so-called post-stimulation analgesia could be supported by the enhancement of the endogenous opioid system.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008083 beta-Lipotropin A 90-amino acid peptide derived from post-translational processing of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) in the PITUITARY GLAND and the HYPOTHALAMUS. It is the C-terminal fragment of POMC with lipid-mobilizing activities, such as LIPOLYSIS and steroidogenesis. Depending on the species and the tissue sites, beta-LPH may be further processed to yield active peptides including GAMMA-LIPOTROPIN; BETA-MSH; and ENDORPHINS. Lipotropin,Adipozin,beta-LPH,beta-Lipotrophin,beta LPH,beta Lipotrophin,beta Lipotropin
D008297 Male Males
D009119 Muscle Contraction A process leading to shortening and/or development of tension in muscle tissue. Muscle contraction occurs by a sliding filament mechanism whereby actin filaments slide inward among the myosin filaments. Inotropism,Muscular Contraction,Contraction, Muscle,Contraction, Muscular,Contractions, Muscle,Contractions, Muscular,Inotropisms,Muscle Contractions,Muscular Contractions
D009619 Nociceptors Peripheral AFFERENT NEURONS which are sensitive to injuries or pain, usually caused by extreme thermal exposures, mechanical forces, or other noxious stimuli. Their cell bodies reside in the DORSAL ROOT GANGLIA. Their peripheral terminals (NERVE ENDINGS) innervate target tissues and transduce noxious stimuli via axons to the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM. Pain Receptors,Receptors, Pain,Nociceptive Neurons,Neuron, Nociceptive,Neurons, Nociceptive,Nociceptive Neuron,Nociceptor,Pain Receptor
D012018 Reflex An involuntary movement or exercise of function in a part, excited in response to a stimulus applied to the periphery and transmitted to the brain or spinal cord.
D004561 Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation The use of specifically placed small electrodes to deliver electrical impulses across the SKIN to relieve PAIN. It is used less frequently to produce ANESTHESIA. Analgesic Cutaneous Electrostimulation,Electric Stimulation, Transcutaneous,Electroanalgesia,Percutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation,TENS,Transdermal Electrostimulation,Electrical Stimulation, Transcutaneous,Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation,Percutaneous Electrical Neuromodulation,Percutaneous Neuromodulation Therapy,Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation,Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation,Cutaneous Electrostimulation, Analgesic,Electrical Neuromodulation, Percutaneous,Electrical Neuromodulations, Percutaneous,Electroanalgesias,Electrostimulation, Analgesic Cutaneous,Electrostimulation, Transdermal,Nerve Stimulation, Transcutaneous,Neuromodulation Therapy, Percutaneous,Neuromodulation, Percutaneous Electrical,Neuromodulations, Percutaneous Electrical,Percutaneous Electrical Neuromodulations,Percutaneous Neuromodulation Therapies,Stimulation, Transcutaneous Electric,Stimulation, Transcutaneous Nerve,Therapy, Percutaneous Neuromodulation,Transcutaneous Electric Stimulation,Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation
D004599 Electric Stimulation Therapy Application of electric current in treatment without the generation of perceptible heat. It includes electric stimulation of nerves or muscles, passage of current into the body, or use of interrupted current of low intensity to raise the detection threshold of the skin to pain. Electrotherapy,Electrical Stimulation Therapy,Interferential Current Electrotherapy,Therapeutic Electric Stimulation,Therapeutic Electrical Stimulation,Therapy, Electric Stimulation,Electric Stimulation, Therapeutic,Electrical Stimulation, Therapeutic,Electrotherapy, Interferential Current,Stimulation Therapy, Electric,Stimulation Therapy, Electrical,Stimulation, Therapeutic Electric,Stimulation, Therapeutic Electrical,Therapy, Electrical Stimulation
D004723 Endorphins One of the three major groups of endogenous opioid peptides. They are large peptides derived from the PRO-OPIOMELANOCORTIN precursor. The known members of this group are alpha-, beta-, and gamma-endorphin. The term endorphin is also sometimes used to refer to all opioid peptides, but the narrower sense is used here; OPIOID PEPTIDES is used for the broader group. Endorphin
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D006854 Hydrocortisone The main glucocorticoid secreted by the ADRENAL CORTEX. Its synthetic counterpart is used, either as an injection or topically, in the treatment of inflammation, allergy, collagen diseases, asthma, adrenocortical deficiency, shock, and some neoplastic conditions. Cortef,Cortisol,Pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, 11,17,21-trihydroxy-, (11beta)-,11-Epicortisol,Cortifair,Cortril,Epicortisol,Hydrocortisone, (11 alpha)-Isomer,Hydrocortisone, (9 beta,10 alpha,11 alpha)-Isomer,11 Epicortisol

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