Neuronal and microglial mechanisms of neuropathic pain
2011

Neuronal and Microglial Mechanisms of Neuropathic Pain

publication 12 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Zhuo Min, Wu Gongxiong, Wu Long-Jun

Primary Institution: Center for Neuron and Disease, Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto; Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School

Hypothesis

Activity-dependent neuronal plasticity is a key target for treatment in neuropathic pain.

Conclusion

The study highlights the importance of both neuronal and microglial mechanisms in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain.

Supporting Evidence

  • Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain state resulting from nerve injury.
  • Current treatments for neuropathic pain often show limited efficacy.
  • Glial cells like microglia play a significant role in modulating pain transmission.

Takeaway

This study explains how nerve injuries can cause long-lasting pain by changing how nerve cells and support cells in the brain communicate.

Methodology

The review compares recent progress in understanding neuronal and glial mechanisms underlying neuropathic and inflammatory pain.

Limitations

The review is based on existing literature and may not cover all recent findings.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1756-6606-4-31

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