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The Journal of Headache and Pain

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Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

Dopamine in plasma – a biomarker for myofascial TMD pain?

Authors: Andreas Dawson, Niclas Stensson, Bijar Ghafouri, Björn Gerdle, Thomas List, Peter Svensson, Malin Ernberg

Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

Dopaminergic pathways could be involved in the pathophysiology of myofascial temporomandibular disorders (M-TMD). This study investigated plasma levels of dopamine and serotonin (5-HT) in patients with M-TMD and in healthy subjects.

Methods

Fifteen patients with M-TMD and 15 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects participated. The patients had received an M-TMD diagnosis according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD. Perceived mental stress, pain intensity (0–100-mm visual analogue scale), and pressure pain thresholds (PPT, kPa) over the masseter muscles were assessed; a venous blood sample was taken.

Results

Dopamine in plasma differed significantly between patients with M-TMD (4.98 ± 2.55 nM) and healthy controls (2.73 ± 1.24 nM; P < 0.01). No significant difference in plasma 5-HT was observed between the groups (P = 0.75). Patients reported significantly higher pain intensities (P < 0.001) and had lower PPTs (P < 0.01) compared with the healthy controls. Importantly, dopamine in plasma correlated significantly with present pain intensity (r = 0.53, n = 14, P < 0.05) and perceived mental stress (r = 0.34, n = 28, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results suggest that peripheral dopamine might be involved in modulating peripheral pain. This finding, in addition to reports in other studies, suggests that dopaminergic pathways could be implicated in the pathophysiology of M-TMD but also in other chronic pain conditions. More research is warranted to elucidate the role of peripheral dopamine in the pathophysiology of chronic pain.

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Title: Dopamine in plasma – a biomarker for myofascial TMD pain?
Authors: Andreas Dawson
Niclas Stensson
Bijar Ghafouri
Björn Gerdle
Thomas List
Peter Svensson
Malin Ernberg
Publication date: 01-12-2016
Publisher: Springer Milan
Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain / Issue 1/2015
Print ISSN: 1129-2369
Electronic ISSN: 1129-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-016-0656-3

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Dopamine in plasma – a biomarker for myofascial TMD pain?

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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