Document Detail


The role of glia and the immune system in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20384965     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Neuropathic pain refers to a variety of chronic pain conditions with differing underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms and origins. Recent studies indicate a communication between the immune system and the nervous system. A common underlying mechanism of neuropathic pain is the presence of inflammation at the site of the damaged or affected nerve(s). This inflammatory response initiates a cascade of events resulting in the concentration and activation of innate immune cells at the site of tissue injury. The release of immunoactive substances such as cytokines, neurotrophic factors, and chemokines initiate local actions and can result in a more generalized immune response. The resultant neuroinflammatory environment can cause activation of glial cells located in the spinal cord and the brain, which appear to play a prominent role in nociception. Glial cells, also known as neuroglia, are nonconducting cells that modulate neurotransmission at the synaptic level. Glial cells can be subdivided into two primary categories: microglia and macroglia, which include astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Astrocytes and microglia are known to play a role in the development, spread, and potentiation of neuropathic pain. Following peripheral nociceptive activation via nerve injury, microglia become activated and release pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, and interleukin-6, thereby initiating the pain process. Microglia propagate the neuroinflammation by recruiting other microglia and eventually activating nearby astrocytes, which prolongs the inflammatory state and leads to a chronic neuropathic pain condition. Our review focuses on the role of glia and the immune system in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain.
Authors:
Ricardo Vallejo; Dana M Tilley; Laura Vogel; Ramsin Benyamin
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review     Date:  2010-04-05
Journal Detail:
Title:  Pain practice : the official journal of World Institute of Pain     Volume:  10     ISSN:  1533-2500     ISO Abbreviation:  Pain Pract     Publication Date:    2010 May-Jun
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-06-15     Completed Date:  2010-09-23     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101130835     Medline TA:  Pain Pract     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  167-84     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Millennium Pain Center, Bloomington, Illinois 61701, USA. vallejo@millenniumpaincenter.com
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Animals
Cytokines / metabolism
Humans
Immune System / physiopathology*
Inflammation / etiology,  pathology
Nerve Growth Factors / metabolism
Neuralgia / immunology*,  pathology*
Neuroglia / metabolism*
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Cytokines; 0/Nerve Growth Factors

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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