Cold electrical stimulation

Fromm and Bauer [36] found that action potentials in maize sieve tubes change phloem translocation. Using macro- and microautoradiography in mature leaves of maize, Fromm and Bauer [36] studied the inhibition of phloem translocation caused by electric and cold shock. They stimulated the leaf tip with ice water and found that the velocity of signal transmission was 3-5cm/s. Upon stimulation, the microelectrode recorded a basipetally propagating action potential with a depolarizing amplitude of 80 mV in the sieve tubes (Fig. 2). During electrical stimulation, the action potential was measured in the sieve-tube system with a speed of 5cm/s. 

In Muscle as Food (P. J. Bechtel, ed.), pp. 135-199. Academic Press, Orlando, FL. Hausbrand, E. (1901). Drying by Means of Air and Steam. Greenwood Sons, London. Henrickson, R. L., and Asghar, A. (1985). Cold storage energy aspects of electrically stimulated hot-boned meat. Adv. Meat Res. 1, 237. 

V Clinical - Beecher hais given further support to the ischemic arm pain method for assessing new compounds in healthy volunteers. The same method has been used72 to show that exposure to pain augments the development of tolerance to the analgetic effects of morphine in man. Both cutaneous electrical stimulation and cold pressor effects have been used73 to distinguish aspirin from placebo. 

Nonpharmacologic therapies include reassurance and counseling, stress management, relaxation training, and biofeedback. Physical therapeutic options (e.g., heat or cold packs, ultrasound, electrical nerve stimulation, massage, acupuncture, trigger point injections, occipital nerve blocks) have performed inconsistently. 

Mrs KR should be advised to try and lose weight. She may wish to discuss the possibility of physiotherapy treatment with her GP. Patients should be encouraged to exercise gently and that exercise should include local muscle stretching and general aerobic exercise. The use of heat and cold therapy may help, as may ultrasound. Some patients may find a TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine is helpful. 

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