A Mechanistic Evaluation of the Interactions Between Thermoceptive and Pruriceptive Sensory Processing

En Mekanistisk undersøgelse af Interaktioner Imellem Det Thermoceptive og Det Pruriceptive Sensoriske System

The purpose of this human experimental study is to evaluate the pattern of itch intensity over time in response to strong, short-term heat stimulation in two different models of histamine and cowhage-induced itch. Moreover, the purpose is to evaluate the effect of mild pre-heating of the skin in human experimental models of histamine, cowhage and serotonin. Finally, we want to investigate the effect of short-term intense heat stimulation on previously anesthetized skin.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy men and women
• Age 18-60 years
• Able to speak and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Suffering from chronic disease
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Prior experience of adverse effects from anaesthetic, specifically Lidocaine
• Drug addiction defined as the use of cannabis, opioids or other drugs - 5 -
• Previous neurologic, musculoskeletal or mental illnesses
• Lack of ability to cooperate
• Current use of medications that may affect the trial
• Active skin diseases
• Active participation in other experiments currently ongoing or within the last 14 days
• Tattoos on volar forearms that will interfere with local skin measurements