Abstract
Publisher Summary Polymodal nociceptors are a dominant cutaneous C-fiber sense organ of mammals. They are characterized by relatively high thresholds for mechanical and thermal stimuli and respond vigorously only to noxious levels of heat, mechanical, and chemical stimuli. Noxious stimulation of the receptive field of polymodal nociceptors, particularly by heat, results in an enhanced responsiveness, lowered threshold and the development of background activity; these changes have been labeled sensitization. Sensitization develops in less than one minute and can last for hours. The process of sensitization, while exhibiting localization is capable of spreading. Demonstrable evidence of spread of sensitization appears related to the degree of skin damage. Sensitization develops in skin preparations perfused with artificial solutions not containing proteins or protein fragments. Serotonin, antihistaminic, and antiprostaglandin agents do not cause major modifications in the development of sensitization.
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