Autoantibodies against glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and norepinephrine in mechanisms of neuropathic pain syndrome.

The production and role of autoantibodies against neurotransmitters glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and norepinephrine were studied in rats with experimental neuropathic pain syndrome induced by sciatic nerve transection. Nerve transection in rats was followed by behavioral reaction of autotomy (self-mutilation of the operated limb), which often accompanies neuropathic pain syndrome. The development of neuropathic pain syndrome was accompanied by increased production of autoantibodies against glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and norepinephrine. A negative correlation was found between the amount of autoantibodies against neurotransmitters and severity of neuropathic pain syndrome. Our results suggest that antibodies against glutamate and norepinephrine exhibit protective activity.