目的构建一个能够量化皮肤热痛感的整体数学模型。方法通过考虑皮肤热力耦合行为以及目前神经学对疼痛感觉的理解开发一个量化热疼痛的整体数学模型。结果模型由3个相互连接的部分组成:有害刺激的神经末梢调制部分,通过神经冲动将来自伤害热刺激的能量转变为电能;传输部分,将这些神经信号从皮肤内的转换位置传输到脊髓和大脑;在脊髓和大脑中进行调制和感知部分。模型预测结果与文献中报导的实验数据吻合较好,验证了该模型的可行性和正确性。结论利用这个模型,可以建立热痛感水平和伤害刺激特性之间的定量关系。
Objective The aim of this paper is to develop a holistic mathematical model to quantify the correlation between skin thermal sensation and noxious stimuli, since skin thermal pain is one of the most common problems in everyday life and the understanding of the underlying physical mechanisms is still not clear. Methods The model is developed by considering the biothermomechanical behaviour of skin tissue and by incorporating the current understanding of biophysical and neurophysiological mechanisms of pain sensation. Results The proposed model consisted of three interconnected sub-models: peripheral modulation of noxious stimuli, which converts the energy from a noxious thermal stimulus into electrical energy via nerve impulses; transmission, which transports these neural signals from the site of transduction in the skin to the spinal cord and brain; and modulation and perception in the spinal cord and brain. The model predictions agree well with existing experimental data. Conclusion With this model, a direct relationship has been built between the level of thermal pain sensation and the character of noxious stimuli.