Substances Producing Pain and Itch

Abstract

Interest in the inflammatory reaction has been revived, in part, by the biochemical investigations of Spector, Margolis, and others. Now, in this well-written book the sensory aspects of inflammation and pain sensation in general are discussed from the physiologist's and pharmacologist's viewpoint. Assuming that the reader has no prior knowledge of algology, the authors furnish at the outset, through a moderately detailed review of their own investigations, the necessary definitions, common terms, abbreviations, and experimental techniques used in the study of pain-producing (algogenic) substances. Thereafter, the algogenic effect of salt solutions, acids, kinens, damaged tissues, serum proteins, and even the sting of the deadly stonefish seems understandable. Over 700 useful references are listed. The authors discuss thoroughly the role of Hageman factor in the release of kinens from human plasma, showing the relation of clotting mechanisms to the inflammatory reaction. Less is known about pruritus than about pain, perhaps because