BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neuropathic pain is caused by damage or inflammation of the nervous system. It is a complex syndrome and its biological mechanisms, involving inflammatory and immunologic theories, are not clear. The objective of this review was to describe the main biologic factors associated with neuropathic pain, making a logical association between hypotheses suggested in the literature. CONTENTS: The main neuromediators, ion channels, and cells, including cells in the nervous system involved in neuronal excitation are described, and the possible activation sequence or interaction among those agents in the neoplastic change secondary to nerve damage are emphasized. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to conclude that the advances on the knowledge of the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain can determine new pharmacologic approaches for this syndrome.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Neuropathic pain is caused by damage or inflammation of the nervous system. It is a complex syndrome and its biological mechanisms, involving inflammatory and immunologic theories, are not clear. The objective of this review was to describe the main biologic factors associated with neuropathic pain, making a logical association between hypotheses suggested in the literature. CONTENTS: The main neuromediators, ion channels, and cells, including cells in the nervous system involved in neuronal excitation are described, and the possible activation sequence or interaction among those agents in the neoplastic change secondary to nerve damage are emphasized. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to conclude that the advances on the knowledge of the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain can determine new pharmacologic approaches for this syndrome.
Authors: Ana Shirley Maranhao Vieira; Abrahao Fontes Baptista; Livia Mendes; Kamilla Soares Silva; Sharize Cristine de Araujo Gois; Flavia Manoela de Almeida Lima; Israel Souza; Katia Nunes Sa Journal: J Clin Med Res Date: 2014-02-06