Direct isolation of ultra-late (C-fibre) evoked brain potentials by CO2 laser stimulation of tiny cutaneous surface areas in man

Neurosci Lett. 1996 May 10;209(2):81-4. doi: 10.1016/0304-3940(96)12604-5.

Abstract

In this study, it is reported that CO2 laser heat stimulation of tiny skin surface area (0.15 mm2) provides a unique method to directly and selectively activate C-fibre as assessed by the ultra-late brain potentials (peak latencies: N810, P996) evoked consistently across a set of stimulus energy levels. On a larger surface area (15.5 mm2), low energy stimulation also resulted in minute ultra-late potential, while higher intensities induced only late potentials related to A-delta fibre activity (peak latencies: N247, P394). The selective activation of C afferent sensory terminals in the skin by stimulation of tiny surface area is explained by their relative high density and lower activation threshold.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Carbon Dioxide / pharmacology*
  • Evoked Potentials / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Lasers
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nerve Fibers / physiology*
  • Skin Physiological Phenomena*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide