The aim of this study is to the effect of opioid (morphine) intradermal application on histaminergic and non-histaminergic itch. In particular, we would like to demonstrate that also peripheral administration of morphine may affect mast cell release of histamine.
Opioids (i.e. substances extracted from opium poppies, e.g. morphine) are used for treatment of both acute and chronic pain conditions as well as in surgical procedures. Opioids render effective pain relief, however, they may cause bothersome itch as a side effect. With this series of experiments, we wish to clarify how an injection with morphine in the skin layer called dermis (located right below the upper skin) will affect itch.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
26
During the 1st session, each of the middle forearms of the subject will be divided into two squared areas (4x4 cm) located 3 cm apart. Two areas will be treated with an intradermal injection of morphine (0.05 ml, 0.1 mg/ml), and two areas with an intradermal injection of isotonic saline.
Silvia Lo Vecchio
Aalborg, North Denmark, Denmark
Measuring itch by computerized Visual Analog Scale Scoring
We will ask the subjects to rate the sensation of itch on a 100 mm VAS scale ranging from 0 to 100 where 0 indicates "no itch" and 100 indicates "worst itch imaginable".
Time frame: 10 minutes
Measuring pain by computerized Visual Analog Scale Scoring
We will ask the subjects to rate the sensation of pain on a 100 mm VAS scale ranging from 0 to 100 where 0 indicates "no pain" and 100 indicates "worst pain imaginable".
Time frame: 10 minutes
Superficial blood perfusion measurement
Superficial blood perfusion is measured by a Speckle contrast imager
Time frame: 15 minutes
While size
While size will be assessed with a ruler
Time frame: 15 minutes
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