Cutaneous cross-modal interactions: variations in punctate pressure sensitivity with skin surface temperature.

Abstract

We determined the effects of adapting the skin surface to temperatures 3 degreees C, 8 degrees C, or 12 degrees C above and below physiological zero for 0, 2, 5, 10, 15, or 30 min on punctate pressure sensitivity. Temperatures above physiological zero reduced punctate pressure sensitivity and temperatures below physiological zero enhanced punctate pressure sensitivity. As the skin adapted to warmth, punctate pressure sensitivity increased suggesting a cross modal adaptation effect, however there was no indication of a decrease in punctate pressure sensitivity as the skin adapted to cooling. The results are considered to be consonant with a system of mechanoreceptors which also respond to temperature changes and a system in which there are points of convergence in the somesthetic pathways at which pressure and temperature information interact and are integrated.