Neurotrophic factors and neuropathic pain.
Neuropathic pain is a debilitating consequence of nerve damage. Existing treatment is largely ineffective. Current models of neuropathic pain recognise the importance of ectopic activity in primary sensory neurones impinging on a sensitised central nervous system. Neurotrophic factors have been shown to be neuroprotective for damaged sensory neurones, providing a rationale for testing their effects in neuropathic pain states. Recent data have demonstrated potent analgesic effects of one factor (glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor) in animal models of neuropathy, and implicated changes in sodium channel alpha-subunits in the generation of afferent ectopic activity. The new findings provide a rational basis for the use of neurotrophic factors as a novel therapeutic treatment for neuropathic pain states.
Boucher
T J
TJ
Sensory Function Group, Centre for Neuroscience Research, London, UK.
McMahon
S B
SB
D000818:Animals; D051100:Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*
C495039:GDNF protein, human; D051100:Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents