Preface Principles of classification and nomenclature relevant to studies of nociceptive neurones PART 1: BASIC ASPECTS OF NOCICEPTOR FUNCTION 1. Pain and the discovery of nociceptors 2. Structure of nociceptor 'endings' 3. Neurochemistry of cutaneous nociceptors 4. Comparative and evolutionary aspects of nociceptor function PART 2: NOCICEPTORS AND THE SIGNALLING OF INJURY 5. Cutaneous nociceptors 6. Corneal nociceptors 7. Nociceptors in skeletal muscle and their reaction to pathological tissue changes 8. Neurobiology of articular nociceptors 9. Visceral nociceptors PART 3: TRANSDUCTION MECHANISMS AND SENSITIZATION 10. Signal transduction in nociceptors: general principles 11. Chemical excitation and sensitization in nociceptors 12. Intracellular messengers and signal transduction in nociceptors 13. Sensitization of polymodal receptors PART 4: FUNCTIONS OF NOCICEPTORS 14. Functional properties of human cutaneous nociceptors and their role in pain and hyperalgesia 15. Neural mechanisms of primary hyperalgesia 16. Secondary cutaneous dysaesthesiae 17. Efferent function of nociceptors 18. Nociceptors and neuroimmune interactions PART 5: NOCICEPTOR PLASTICITY 19. Development of the nociceptor phenotype: role of nerve growth factor 20. Properties of regenerated nociceptor afferents 21. Pathophysiology of human nociceptor function