Pain Physiology Flashcards
Excitatory Pain Modulating Transmitters
Substance P, Neurokinin A, Glutamate, Aspartate
Inhibitory Pain Modulating Neurotransmitters
Glycine and GABA by intrinsic spinal neurons. Enkephalins, Serotonin, and Norepi released in dorsal horn from descending efferent neuronal pathways.
Substance P Receptor
Neurokinin -1 (NK1) and Neurokinin-2 (NK2)
Glutamate receptors
NMDA, AMPA, kainite
Enkephalin receptors
Mu and delta
Serotonin receptors
5-HT
Where do A-delta fibers terminate?
In Rexed lamina I and V
Where do C-fibers terminate?
In Rexed lamina II and III
Specificity Theory
Specific pain receptors transmit signals to a “pain center” in the brain that produces the perception of pain. Does not account for psychological factors that affect our perception of pain
Pattern Theory
Pain signals are sent to the brain only when stimuli sum together to produce a specific combination or pattern. Does not posit specialized pain receptors nor does it see the brain as having control over the perception of pain. Set the stage for Gate Control Theory.
Gate Control Theory
Best accepted pain theory. Accounts for both “top-down” brain influences on brain perception as well as other effects of tactile stimulation (rubbing banged knee) in appearing to reduce the perception of pain. There is a gate through which all info regarding pain must pass. An “open gate” means that transmission cells (T-cells) can carry signals to the brain where pain is perceived. A “closed gate” stops t-cells from firing and no pain signal is sent to the brain.
- Where is the proposed “gate” or control system according to the Gate Control Theory?
- What controls whether the gate is opened or closed?
- The dorsal horn of the spinal cord
2. The Substantia gelatinosa in the dorsal horn.
What are the four elements of pain processing?
1) transduction 2) transmission 3) modulation 4) perception
An event where noxious stimuli are converted into an action potential
Transduction
Conduction of action potential via first, second, and third-order neurons
Transmission
Most common site for modulation of pain
Dorsal horn of spinal cord
What is the modulation of pain?
The altering of afferent neural transmission along the pain pathway. Can involve either inhibition or augmentation of pain signals.
These receptors are sodium-dependent channels and are essential for fast synaptic afferent input.
AMPA and kainate
MOA between NMDA and Substance P
NMDA receptor is calcium channel-dependent and is activated by prolonged depolarization of second-order neurons. Release of substance P into spinal cord will remove magnesium block on the channel of NMDA receptor, giving glutamate free access to NMDA.
What is the surgical stress response?
Activation of the SNS, neuroendocrine response, and immune system modulation with the release of cytokines.
The neuroendocrine response increases the secretion of which catabolic hormones?
cortisol, glucagon, growth hormone, and catecholamines
The neuroendocrine response decreases the secretion of which anabolic hormones?
insulin and testosterone
What are the consequences of the neuroendocrine response?
Hyperglycemia and negative nitrogen balance. This results in poor wound healing, muscle wasting, fatigue, and impaired immunocompetency.
What are the 3 primary mechanisms of action for opioid analgesia?
1) inhibition of calcium influx PRESYNAPTICALLY, preventing depolarization of cell and release of NT substance P and glutamate
2) Enhanced potassium efflux and hyperpolarization of POSTSYNAPTIC cells, decreasing pain transmission
3) activation of descending inhibitory pain circuit via inhibition of GABAergic transmission in the brainstem,
Allodynia
Perception of normally nonnoxious stimuli as pain
Anesthesia Dolorosa
Pain in an area that lacks sensation
Dysesthesia
Unpleasant or abnormal sensation with or without a stimulus
hyperalgesia
increased response to noxious stimuli
Allodynia is usually associated with which type of pain?
Neuropathic pain
Discuss the role of NMDA receptors in chronic pain states.
Under normal conditions, NMDA receptors remain inactive because of magnesium stability. In chronic pain, magnesium is displaced and NMDA receptors are easily accessible to glutamate which allows calcium ions to enter cells, causing an exaggerated release of substance P and excitatory amino acids.
Which type of receptors are known to play a significant role in chronic pain wind up?
NMDA receptors. They do not participate significantly in primary nociceptive transmission, they have a bigger role in spinal or central sensitization.
Radiculopathy
Functional abnormality of one or more nerve roots.
Explain NMDA receptor role in preventive analgesia.
Prevention of NMDA receptor activation in the dorsal horn prevents wind up, facilitation, central sensitization, and long term potentiation.
A-delta fibers
fast, myelinated. “first pain.” sharp or stinging. well localized.
C-fibers
slow, unmyelinated. “second pain.” diffuse. Associated with affective and motivational aspects of pain.
Types of nociceptors
Mechanoreceptors: pinch, pinprick sensation
Silent nociceptors: activated only in presence of inflammation
Polymodal mechano-heat nociceptors: response to excess pressure, temp extremes, and pain-producing substances (alogens) such as substance P, histamine, serotonin, and PGEs. You A-delta and C fibers are polymodal.
two types of second-order neurons
nociceptive-specific: located in lamina I, respond only to noxious stimuli, involved in sensory-discriminative aspects of pain.
wide dynamic range (WDR): Laminae IV, V, VI. Respond to both nonnoxious and noxious stimuli. involved in the affective-motivational component of pain.
where are the cell bodies of first, second, and third-order neurons located?
dorsal root ganglion, dorsal horn, and thalamus, respectively.