Examining nociception with a laser evoked potential stimulator

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Radiant heat emitted from a laser is the gold-standard method for the objective measurement of nociceptive evoked potentials. The central aim of this application is to support the purchase of a laser for the acquisition of evoked potentials at the University of British Columbia (UBC). This key piece of equipment is essential to position laboratories at the UBC (Dr. Kramer, applicant and co-applicants Drs. Ramer, Blouin, and Dumont) as leaders in in the study of nociception. A laser builds on existing core infrastructure (e.g., other stimulators and recording equipment), will be the first of its kind at UBC, and applied in both humans and animal research studies. The incorporation of a laser expands the NSERC Discovery Grant (DG) framework of Drs. Kramer, Ramer, Blouin, and Dumont by creating new and pivotal lines of investigation for each investigator. Dr. Kramer will specifically utilize the laser stimulator in conjunction with the application of topical capsaicin to investigate sensation in the area of secondary hyperalgesia in humans. Dr. Ramer will develop the application of laser evoked potentials as an objective surrogate measure of nociception in rodents. Finally, Dr. Blouin will employ the laser in studies assessing the modulation of nociception with vestibular stimulation. All three lines of investigation are highly dependent on the purchase of a laser stimulator for reasons related to limitations of contact heat (i.e., not purely noxious and large stimulation area). The laser will also be used to support ongoing work to improve the acquisition of electroencephalography using audio signal conversion technology (Dr. Guy Dumont, pending NSERC - Collaborative Health Research application with Dr. Kramer). In addition to the urgent need for research applications, a laser at UBC will provide an exciting opportunity for training of highly qualified personnel using an internationally regarded gold standard instrument and increase prospects for national collaborations (e.g., University of Laval).