Article

Chronic neuropathic and inflammatory pain is a major public health problem.
Nociceptors undergo sensitization, first in peripheral tissues then in the
central nervous sytem, via neuroimmune interactions linking neurons, glial cells
(microglia and astrocytes), and immune cells. These interactions may either
exacerbate or attenuate the pain and inflammation, which normally reach a state
of equilibrium. With more powerful or longer lasting stimuli, specific profiles
of microglial and, subsequently, astrocytic activation in the dorsal horn play a
key role in neuronal plasticity and transition to chronic pain. Recent insights
into the interactions between the nervous system and the immune system suggest a
large number of potential therapeutic targets that could be influenced either by
targeted inhibition or by directing the neuroimmune response toward the
antiinflammatory and analgesic end of its spectrum.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011. Published by Elsevier SAS.

Langue : ANGLAIS