Human pain models are valuable tools used to assess the analgesic potential of novel compounds and predict their clinical efficacy, especially when used in an integrated manner. Although implementation of these models is complex, with proper execution, the pain models described in this protocol can provide predictive and reliable results.
Total time
~2–3 hours per subject (includes baseline acclimation, four pain tasks, and recovery periods)
Steps
1
Administer electrical stimulation pain scoring task
Deliver calibrated electrical pulses to determine pain detection threshold and pain tolerance threshold. Record subjective pain ratings and threshold values.
▶ 00:52
2
Perform pressure stimulation pain assessment
Apply graduated mechanical pressure to identify pressure pain detection and tolerance thresholds. Document threshold pressures in kilopascals or force units.
▶ 02:56
3
Execute cold pressor immersion task
Immerse subject's hand in cold water and measure time to pain detection and time to tolerance limit. Record temperature and immersion duration.
▶ 03:45
4
Induce localized UV inflammation model
Apply controlled UV exposure to forearm skin to create standardized mild inflammation. Assess resulting pain sensitivity and hyperalgesia at specified intervals.
▶ 05:28
5
Analyze analgesic effects on pain tolerance
Compare threshold and tolerance data across treatment conditions (e.g., placebo vs. analgesic). Present results demonstrating drug efficacy predictions.
▶ 07:36