Mechanisms and Mediators of Neuropathic Pain (Series: Progress in Inflammation Research)

About this book.

Numerous improvements in our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie neuropathic pain states have come from the development of animal models, most of which involve partial peripheral nerve injury. The animal models have shown that nerve injury initiates a cascade of events resulting in altered neurochemistry and molecular biology of the peripheral neurons, the dorsal root ganglion cell, and changes in neurotransmitter and receptor expression in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Moreover, nerve injury produces anatomical changes with functional consequences.
This volume summarises the current understanding of the pathophysiological processes in the peripheral and central nervous system that contribute to the neuropathic pain. It provides a timely review of neuropathic pain mechanisms, written by experts in the field.

Content Level » Professional/practitioner
Keywords » Neurology - Pain Research
Related subjects » BioSciences

Table of Contents

Electrophysiological characteristics of injured peripheral nerves.- Sodium channels and the molecular basis for pain.- Changes in DRG neurons after nerve injury: possible involvement in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain.- Neuroinflammation, cytokines and neuropathic pain.- Pharmacological plasticity associated with neuropathic pain states.- Sprouting and reorganization in the spinal cord after nerve injury.- Animal models of toxic and metabolic sensory neuopathies.- Role of adrenergic transmitters and receptors in nerve and tissue injury related pain.- Evaluation of neuropathic pain.- Glutamate receptor antagonists and neuropathic pain.