Chemo-somatosensory event-related potentials in response to repetitive painful chemical stimulation of the nasal mucosa

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate how chemo-somatosensory event-related potentials (CSSERPs) and pain ratings are modified by repetitive painful stimulation of the nasal mucosa (58% v/v CO 2, 200 msec duration). Twenty-two subjects performed 3 experiments during which trains of stimuli were applied. The interstimulus interval (ISI) between stimuli was constant for each experiment, but varied between experiments (8, 4, and 2 sec). CSSERPs were obtained from positions (Fz, C3, Cz, C4, and Pz). The subjects not only rated the overall perceived intensities but also reported the quality of the stimuli. At an ISI of 8 sec estimates decreased and only stinging sensations were reported. In contrast, at an interval of 2 sec estimates increased being accompanied by the buildup of burning pain. This phenomenon was interpreted in terms of the superposition of first (sharp and stinging pain: Aδ fibers) and second pain (dull and burning pain: C fibers), respectively. However, given the special circumstances of short ISIs CSSERP amplitudes decreased the more the shorter the ISI was. In line with previous investigations it is hypothesised that CSSERPs predominantly reflect nociceptive information transmitted via Aδ fibers.