C-nociceptors do not normally fire action potentials unless challenged by adequate noxious
stimuli. However, in pathological states nociceptors may become hyperexcitable and may
generate spontaneous ectopic discharges. The aim of this study was to compare rat
neuropathic pain models and to assess their suitability to model the spontaneous C-
nociceptor activity found in neuropathic pain patients. Studies were performed in normal rats
(n= 40), healthy human subjects (n= 15), peripheral neuropathic pain patients (n= 20), and …