The precise definition of the International Association for the Study of
Pain (IASP) revised in 2008 states that
neuropathic pain is a type of
pain arising as a direct consequence of a lesion or disease affecting the somatosensory system. This kind of
pain is due to long-term dysfunction of the nervous system and is clinically characterized by spontaneous and evoked types of
chronic pain, which are involved by various distinct pathophysiological mechanisms in the peripheral and central nervous systems. It is relatively common, with an incidence estimated at 0.6% to 1.5% in the US population. Unfortunately, there was no effective
therapy until recently. Our research team found an effective strategy in treating
neuropathic pain that resulted from interactions between leukocyte-derived
opioid peptides and their receptors on peripheral sensory neurons. Here, we briefly review
granulocyte colony stimulating factor (
G-CSF)
therapy in an animal model of
neuropathic pain. Our studies also proved that
G-CSF can increase the number of
opioid-contained polymorphonuclear cells and significantly relieve
neuropathic pain. These studies have led to an increased understanding of the
opioids and
cytokines -modulating peripheral
analgesia effect on
neuropathic pain, which opens a new avenue in its treatment.