Thermo-mechanical pain: the signaling role of heat dissipation in biological tissues

Abstract Mechanical algesia is an important process for the preservation of living organisms, allowing potentially life-saving reflexes or decisions when given body parts are stressed. Yet, its various underlying mechanisms remain to be fully unraveled. Here, we quantitatively discuss how detection painful mechanical stimuli by human central nervous system may, partly, rely on thermal measurements. Indeed, most fractures in a body, including microscopic ones, release some heat, which diffuses surrounding tissues. Through this physical process, thermo-sensitive TRP proteins, that translate abnormal temperatures into action potentials, shall sensitive damaging inputs. The implication these polymodal receptors has been regularly reported, and here provide explanation coupling between pain. In particular, skin, show neighboring neurites broken collagen fiber can undergo sudden elevation ranges from fraction tens degrees. As theoretical temperature anomaly lies sensibility range TRPV3 TRPV1 cation channels, known trigger potentials neural system, degree pain hence generated.