Campbell James N, Meyer Richard A
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA.
Neuron. 2006 Oct 5;52(1):77-92. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2006.09.021.
Neuropathic pain refers to pain that originates from pathology of the nervous system. Diabetes, infection (herpes zoster), nerve compression, nerve trauma, "channelopathies," and autoimmune disease are examples of diseases that may cause neuropathic pain. The development of both animal models and newer pharmacological strategies has led to an explosion of interest in the underlying mechanisms. Neuropathic pain reflects both peripheral and central sensitization mechanisms. Abnormal signals arise not only from injured axons but also from the intact nociceptors that share the innervation territory of the injured nerve. This review focuses on how both human studies and animal models are helping to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these surprisingly common disorders. The rapid gain in knowledge about abnormal signaling promises breakthroughs in the treatment of these often debilitating disorders.
神经病理性疼痛是指源于神经系统病变的疼痛。糖尿病、感染(带状疱疹)、神经受压、神经创伤、“通道病”和自身免疫性疾病等都是可能导致神经病理性疼痛的疾病实例。动物模型和更新的药理学策略的发展引发了人们对其潜在机制的极大兴趣。神经病理性疼痛反映了外周和中枢敏化机制。异常信号不仅来自受损的轴突,还来自与受损神经共享神经支配区域的完整伤害感受器。本综述重点关注人体研究和动物模型如何有助于阐明这些惊人常见疾病的潜在机制。关于异常信号的知识的迅速增加有望在治疗这些常常使人衰弱的疾病方面取得突破。