The role of microglia in the pathobiology of neuropathic pain development: what do we know?

<span class="paragraphSection"><div class="boxTitle">Abstract</div>Neuropathic pain, a maladaptive and chronic condition that can develop after a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system, is characterized by allodynia, hyperalgesia and spontaneous pain, and comorbidities such as sleep deprivation, depression and anxiety. The activation of microglial cells in response to nerve injury has been implicated in the development of neuropathic pain. Mediators such as Neuregulin-1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, <span style="font-style:italic;">The chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2)</span> and fractalkine are released after nerve injury and are involved in the activation of microglial cells. These activated cells in turn release factors that increase the excitation and decrease the inhibition of interneurons. Microglial cells release factors such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) that cause the painful symptoms. It is becoming increasingly apparent that an intricate network of cytokines and cellular signalling mechanisms underpin the complex relationship between microglia and various cell types including neurones, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, mast cells and T-cells. Although the precise mechanism of action of microglial cells in producing neuropathic pain has not been completely elucidated, research into these different activating factors and cytokines is providing further insight into the role ...
Source: British Journal of Anaesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research