The core of maintaining neuropathic pain: Crosstalk between glial cells and neurons (neural cell crosstalk at spinal cord)

Brain and Behavior, 2023 · DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2868 · Published: January 1, 2023

Simple Explanation

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic pain condition resulting from damage or dysfunction in the nervous system, often accompanied by heightened sensitivity to pain. This review explores how different types of brain cells (glial cells and neurons) communicate with each other in the spinal cord, which is crucial for maintaining NP. Understanding these communication pathways could lead to new drug targets and treatments for neuropathic pain.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
The microglia P2X4 receptor plays a central role in neuropathic pain, activating pathways that affect both astrocytes and neurons.
2
Activated neurons perpetuate the activation of astrocytes and microglia through chemokines such as CXCL13/CXCR5 and CX3CL1/CX3CR1, sustaining neuropathic pain.
3
Crosstalk between neurons, microglia, and astrocytes in the central nervous system contributes to maintaining neuropathic pain, identifying potential targets for drug development.

Research Summary

Neuropathic pain (NP) involves abnormal sensory signals across the nervous system, leading to significant pain. Neuron-glial cell interaction is related to the pathogenesis of NP, with activation of microglia and astrocytes in the spinal cord leading to increased signaling between neurons and glial cells. Immune system involvement in NP includes neutrophil infiltration, chemokine release, and immune cell recruitment, further promoting microglia activation.

Practical Implications

Drug Development

Identifying key receptors involved in neuron-glia crosstalk may lead to the development of new receptor antagonists for treating neuropathic pain.

Therapeutic Intervention

Targeting multiple chemokine receptors with CNS-permeable antagonists could provide more effective treatment for neuropathic pain.

Future Research

Further research into the crosstalk between neurons, microglia, and astrocytes in the CNS is needed to improve understanding of the pathways and connections involved in hyperalgesia.

Study Limitations

1
The causes of NP are complex and diverse.
2
Effects of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 chemokines on neurons and microglia is controversial, and it is worthy of in-depth study.
3
Finding the right entry point and finding the key receptor in the crosstalk link can effectively intervene in the crosstalk and inhibit the process of hyperalgesia.

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