Use of a novel thermal operant behavioral assay for characterization of orofacial pain sensitivity

摘要: Abstract Orofacial pain has been well-characterized clinically, but evaluation of orofacial in animals not kept pace. The objective this study was to describe behavioral responses facial thermal stimulation and inflammation with/without an analgesic using a novel operant paradigm. Animals were trained voluntarily place their face against stimulus thermode (37.7–57.2 °C) providing access positive reinforcement. These contingencies present conflict between reward tolerance for nociceptive stimulation. Inflammation induced morphine provided as subset animals. Six outcome measures determined: intake, licking contacts, contact duration, ratio reward/stimulus duration/event. displayed aversive behaviors the higher temperatures, denoted by significant decrease total events. number contacts increased with increasing temperature, replacing long drinking bouts more frequent short drinks, reflected low licking/facial events significantly decreased intensity increased, another index derived from method. outcomes affected direction nociception following inflammation, these indices hyperalgesia reversed administration. data reflect behavior profile that based on animal's escape This technique allows processing modulation throughout neuraxis.