Neuropathic pain--neurochemical aspects.
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.
Kraychete
Durval Campos
DC
Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA. dkt@terra.com.br
Gozzani
Judymara Lauzi
JL
Kraychete
Angiolina Campos
AC
D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000502:physiology; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology
D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents