0000000000628580
AUTHOR
C. Konrad
Clonidine increases membrane-associated phospholipase A2
Background and objective: An anti-inflammatory effect of α 2 -adrenoreceptor agonists has been suggested. Phospholipase A 2 is a key enzyme in the production of precursors of inflammatory lipid mediators. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of clonidine on phospholipase A 2 activity in an established in vitro model. Methods: Human being platelet membranes containing active phospholipase A 2 were exposed to buffer control or to three increasing concentrations of clonidine. Phospholipase A 2 was measured by a radioisotope technique. Results: A massive increase in phospholipase A 2 activity was measured after clonidine exposure leading to final values of 92.5 ′ 3.1 pmol …
Skin innervation at different depths correlates with small fibre function but not with pain in neuropathic pain patients
Background: Neuropathy can lead not only to impaired function but also to sensory sensitization. We aimed to link reduced skin nerve fibre density in different levels to layer-specific functional impairment in neuropathic pain patients and tried to identify pain-specific functional and structural markers. Methods: In 12 healthy controls and 36 patients with neuropathic pain, we assessed clinical characteristics, thermal thresholds (quantitative sensory testing) and electrically induced pain and axon reflex erythema. At the most painful sites and at intra-individual control sites, skin biopsies were taken and innervation densities in the different skin layers were assessed. Moreover, neurona…