Role of Microglia in Neuropathic Pain

Microglial cells are specialized immune cells in the brain and spinal cord. They protect against injury and infection, communicating with other nervous tissue cells. In neuropathic pain, microglia challenge the idea that neurons are solely responsible. Peripheral or central nervous system injuries can cause changes in both neurons and microglia. Microglia play a key role in starting and maintaining pain and inflammation in neuropathic pain conditions. Understanding how neurons and immune cells interact could make microglia a new target for treating neuropathic pain. Research aims to unravel these mechanisms at the spinal cord and brain levels.

• 1
  Microglia participate in the onset, maintenance, mediation, and expansion of neuropathic pain. Inhibiting microglial cell activity in neuropathic pain models leads to milder pain.
• 2
  Nerve damage activates microglia, causing changes in morphology, migration rate, and proliferation. Microglial Gi signaling attenuates chronic pain by inhibiting neuroinflammation.
• 3
  Dysregulated microglial activation, neuroinflammation, and altered neuronal communication contribute to the amplification of pain signals and the transition from acute to chronic pain.