title: Neuropathic pain--neurochemical aspects.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Neuropathic pain is caused by damage or inflammation of the nervous system. It is a complex syndrome and its biological mechanisms, involving inflammatory and immunologic theories, are not clear. The objective of this review was to describe the main biologic factors associated with neuropathic pain, making a logical association between hypotheses suggested in the literature.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The main neuromediators, ion channels, and cells, including cells in the nervous system involved in neuronal excitation are described, and the possible activation sequence or interaction among those agents in the neoplastic change secondary to nerve damage are emphasized.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It was possible to conclude that the advances on the knowledge of the pathophysiology of neuropathic pain can determine new pharmacologic approaches for this syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA. dkt@terra.com.br
authors.forename: Durval Campos
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Kraychete
authors.forename: Judymara Lauzi
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Gozzani
authors.forename: Angiolina Campos
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Kraychete
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000502:physiology; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents