Correlation between autotomy-behavior and current theories of neuropathic pain

The past IQ years have brought several new experimental models with which t o study chronic neuropathic pain in animals. Consequently, our knowledge ab out the mechanisms subserving neuropathic pain in humans has improved; Howe ver, the first animal model that was used for studying this type of chronic pain was the autotomy-model which can still be considered as a useful tool for pain studies. The present review assesses some of the similarities and differences between autotomy-model and more recent models of experimental traumatic mononeuropathy. In addition, it considers some of the similaritie s between the results obtained in clinical studies and in autotomy studies. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.