Spinal Gap Junction Channels in Neuropathic Pain.
10.3344/kjp.2015.28.4.231
- Author:
Young Hoon JEON
1
;
Dong Ho YOUN
Author Information
1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Connexin;
Gap junction channel;
Glial cell;
Neuropathic pain;
Pannexin 1;
Spinal cord
- MeSH:
Chronic Pain;
Connexin 43;
Gap Junctions*;
Hope;
Humans;
Neuralgia*;
Neuroglia;
Peripheral Nerves;
Spinal Cord;
Spinal Cord Injuries
- From:The Korean Journal of Pain
2015;28(4):231-235
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Damage to peripheral nerves or the spinal cord is often accompanied by neuropathic pain, which is a complex, chronic pain state. Increasing evidence indicates that alterations in the expression and activity of gap junction channels in the spinal cord are involved in the development of neuropathic pain. Thus, this review briefly summarizes evidence that regulation of the expression, coupling, and activity of spinal gap junction channels modulates pain signals in neuropathic pain states induced by peripheral nerve or spinal cord injury. We particularly focus on connexin 43 and pannexin 1 because their regulation vastly attenuates symptoms of neuropathic pain. We hope that the study of gap junction channels eventually leads to the development of a suitable treatment tool for patients with neuropathic pain.
