Endogenous facilitation: from molecular mechanisms to persistent pain.
It is well documented that sensory transmission, including pain, is subject to endogenous inhibitory modulatory influences at dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Recent results, from behavioral to molecular studies, demonstrate that endogenous modulatory systems are bi-phasic, including inhibitory as well as new facilitatory systems. In this review, we propose the existence of endogenous facilitatory systems in the brain, and review evidence supporting the hypothesis. We believe that understanding molecular and cellular mechanisms of endogenous facilitatory systems hold the hope for better future treatment of patients with chronic pain.
Robinson
Daphne A
DA
Department of Physiology, 1 King's College Circle, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada M5S 1A8.
Calejesan
Amelita A
AA
Wei
Feng
F
Gebhart
Gerald F
GF
Zhuo
Min
M
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004525:Efferent Pathways / Q000503:physiopathology; D025461:Feedback, Physiological; D008959:Models, Neurological; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications*