Differential effects of trigeminal tractotomy on Aδ- and C-fiber-mediated nociceptive responses

In this study we have tested in the rat, whether trigeminal tractotomy, which deprives the spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis (Sp5C) of its trigeminal inputs, affected differentially nociceptive responses mediated by C- vs. Aδ-nociceptors from oral and perioral regions. Tractotomy had no effect on the threshold of the jaw opening reflex, induced by incisive pulp stimulation (Aδ-fiber-mediated), but blocked the formalin response (mainly C-fiber-mediated). These results suggest that nociceptive responses mediated by trigeminal C-fibers completely depend on the integrity of the Sp5C, while intraoral sensations triggered Aδ-fibers (especially of dental origin) are primarily processed in the rostral part of the spinal trigeminal nucleus.