Role of immune cells in peripheral and central pain sensitization
10.3760/cma.j.cn371468-20241226-00619
- VernacularTitle:免疫细胞在外周和中枢痛觉敏感化中的作用
- Author:
Jiahui MA
1
;
Yuhan LIU
;
Lingwen ZHANG
;
Yanbing XU
Author Information
1. 山东第一医科大学附属省立医院麻醉科，济南 250021
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Neuropathic pain;
Peripheral sensitization;
Central sensitization;
Immune cells
- From:
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medicine and Brain Science
2025;34(6):572-576
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic and intractable pain syndrome triggered by lesions or diseases of the somatosensory nervous system. It has a high incidence in the general population and currently lacks effective treatment methods, which seriously reduces the life quality of patients. Peripheral sensitization and central sensitization are the key mechanisms for the occurrence and development of NP. A variety of immune cells are involved in the processes of peripheral sensitization and central sensitization. After peripheral nerve injury, immune cells such as macrophages, astrocytes and Schwann cells infiltrate and release chemical substances. Through regulating inflammatory reactions and ion channels, they initiate and amplify pain signals, increasing the sensitivity of nociceptors to incoming signals and forming peripheral sensitization. Immune cells in the central nervous system, represented by microglia and astrocytes, are stimulated by pro-nociceptive substances released by primary afferent nerve fibers, enhancing their excitability. Subsequently, they synthesize and release pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to the enhancement and remodeling of neuronal connections in the spinal cord and brain, resulting in central sensitization. This article reviews the role of immune cells and peripheral sensitization and central pain sensitization, providing a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the understanding and treatment of NP.
