Bradykinin as an algesic (pain producing) substance in the pulp.

A rat uterine smooth muscle contracting substance was released into the superfusate of the dog's exposed canine pulp after noxious stimulation of the pulp by pricking, heat and electrical stimulation. This active substance was acid- and heat-resistant and was decomposed by carboxypeptidase B and alpha-chymotrypsin, but not by carboxypeptidase A and trypsin. This substance was also tested on several types of smooth muscle. Electrical activity of nerve cells in the reticular formation, which were sensitive to stimulation of the instep of the foot by pinching, was activated by the intrafemoral administration of the active substance. The algesic activity of this substance was examined in cantharidin blister base in man. This study conclusively demonstrated that the active substance of the pulp released by noxious stimulation produced pain and it was identified as bradykinin.