The experiments forming the basis for the present
thesis used different methods to induce and assess
experimental pain stimuli in both healthy subjects
and in patients with chronic pancreatitis.
Furthermore in attempt to improve the pain models a
multimodal and multi-tissue testing approach was
successfully applied in these patients.
Patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis are
thought to have peripheral neural alterations and
central changes in the pain system. One hypothesis is
that the noxious activity in patients leads to
peripheral, spinal and supraspinal changes in the
pain system.
We found generalized hypoalgesia to experimental
visceral and somatic stimulations, but also evidence
for central sensitization and cortical
reorganisation. The findings suggest that activation
and modulation of central mechanisms is fundamental
in pancreatic pain. This may be related to changes in
the balance between central hyperexcitability and
pain modulating pathways. The findings of the
present thesis may have clinical implications. Drugs
which exert effects on the central nervous system or
a combination of different drugs with targets in the
central nervous system should be tested.
thesis used different methods to induce and assess
experimental pain stimuli in both healthy subjects
and in patients with chronic pancreatitis.
Furthermore in attempt to improve the pain models a
multimodal and multi-tissue testing approach was
successfully applied in these patients.
Patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis are
thought to have peripheral neural alterations and
central changes in the pain system. One hypothesis is
that the noxious activity in patients leads to
peripheral, spinal and supraspinal changes in the
pain system.
We found generalized hypoalgesia to experimental
visceral and somatic stimulations, but also evidence
for central sensitization and cortical
reorganisation. The findings suggest that activation
and modulation of central mechanisms is fundamental
in pancreatic pain. This may be related to changes in
the balance between central hyperexcitability and
pain modulating pathways. The findings of the
present thesis may have clinical implications. Drugs
which exert effects on the central nervous system or
a combination of different drugs with targets in the
central nervous system should be tested.