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01-06-2011

Neuronal Hyperexcitability: A Substrate for Central Neuropathic Pain After Spinal Cord Injury

Authors: Young Seob Gwak, Claire E. Hulsebosch

Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports | Issue 3/2011

Abstract

Neuronal hyperexcitability produces enhanced pain transmission in the spinal dorsal horn after spinal cord injury (SCI). Spontaneous and evoked neuronal excitability normally are well controlled by neural circuits. However, SCI produces maladaptive synaptic circuits in the spinal dorsal horn that result in neuronal hyperexcitability. After SCI, activated primary afferent neurons produce enhanced release of glutamate, neuropeptides, adenosine triphosphate, and proinflammatory cytokines, which are known to be major components for pain transmission in the spinal dorsal horn. Enhanced neurochemical events contribute to neuronal hyperexcitability, and neuroanatomical changes also contribute to maladaptive synaptic circuits and neuronal hyperexcitability. These neurochemical and neuroanatomical changes produce enhanced cellular signaling cascades that ensure persistently enhanced pain transmission. This review describes altered neurochemical and neuroanatomical contributions on neuronal hyperexcitability in the spinal dorsal horn, which serve as substrates for central neuropathic pain after SCI.

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Title: Neuronal Hyperexcitability: A Substrate for Central Neuropathic Pain After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Young Seob Gwak
Claire E. Hulsebosch
Publication date: 01-06-2011
Publisher: Current Science Inc.
Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports / Issue 3/2011
Print ISSN: 1531-3433
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3081
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-011-0186-2

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Neuronal Hyperexcitability: A Substrate for Central Neuropathic Pain After Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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