Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases until February 2013. Obtained manuscripts were reviewed for relevancy and reference lists of the retrieved articles were cross-checked for additional important studies. Solely the literature regarding topical application of L- menthol in humans was attained systematically. Of the total identified studies (96), 10 met the inclusion criteria being controlled studies applying L- menthol at a concentration of ≥ 30%. RESULTS: The extracted data are meticulously compared and presented with emphasis on clarity and transparency. In seven animal studies, cold allodynia or hyperalgesia was successfully established utilizing various methods. Eight studies in healthy volunteers unanimously reported a significant increase in cold pain threshold, representing cold allodynia and increased supra-threshold cold pain sensitivity, thus demonstrating cold hyperalgesia. CONCLUSIONS: Topical high-concentration L- menthol consistently induces cold hypersensitivity in animals and humans, thus constituting a predictable surrogate model of cold allodynia and hyperalgesia. Understanding translational features of this model and its underlying mechanisms could be valuable in preclinical and human phases of drug development and in improving current treatment of patients with polyneuropathy.
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Authors | H H Andersen, R V Olsen, H G Møller, P W Eskelund, P Gazerani, L Arendt-Nielsen |
Journal | European journal of pain (London, England)
(Eur J Pain)
Vol. 18
Issue 3
Pg. 315-25
(Mar 2014)
ISSN: 1532-2149 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 23963768
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
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Copyright | © 2013 European Pain Federation - EFIC® |
Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Animals
- Humans
- Hyperalgesia
(chemically induced)
- Menthol
- Neuralgia
(chemically induced)
- Pain Measurement
- Pain Threshold
- Translational Research, Biomedical
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