Subtypes of nociceptive units in the rat temporomandibular joint

Response properties of nociceptors in the rat’s temporomandibular joint (TMJ) were investigated using an in vitro TMJ-nerve preparation. Recordings were obtained from 33 nociceptive units that responded to mechanical, chemical, and/or thermal stimuli. According to both characteristics of nociceptors and afferent fibers, nociceptive units in the TMJ area were classified into the following four subtypes: Aδ-high-threshold mechanonociceptor (HTM) (12.1%), Aδ-polymodal nociceptor (POLY) (36.4%), C-HTM (12.1%), and C-POLY (39.4%). The mean mechanical threshold of the Aδ units was significantly lower than that of the C units. Bradykinin increased the discharge of Aδ- and C-POLY units. No significant differences of thermal thresholds between Aδ and C units were found. The percentage of Aδ units was 47.2% and of C units was 52.8%, respectively. In the TMJ area, POLY units were predominant (75.8%), suggesting that inflammatory reactions can easily evoke pain sensation.