神经炎症,疼痛,神经胶质细胞 z-bo 2020-09-24 423

　　The mechanism of pain is not fully understood. It is generally believed that after various nociceptive stimuli, the nociceptors on the nerve endings transmit excitement to the spinal cord through nerve pathways, and the spinal cord preprocesses these information before transmitting it to the brain, which in turn causes pain. However, researchers from the Brain Research Center of the Medical University of Vienna found that pain not only spreads through nerve cells, but also involves non-neural cells-glial cells. The latter is not only closely related to clinically relevant pain models, but also their activation It can also produce pain amplification effects. This research was published in Science.

　　Glial cells are a type of cells widely distributed in the human brain and spinal cord. They stretch and fill between the cell bodies of nerve cells and their processes to support and separate nerve cells. In addition, glial cells can also secrete some neurotrophic factors and cytokines, which play an important role in maintaining the growth, differentiation and immune regulation of neurons.

　　When glial cells are activated, they can release messenger substances such as cytokines. Therefore, there are two models of glial cells: one is a protective model, and the other is a pro-inflammatory model. Researchers found a long-term potentiation effect (LTP) induced by glial cell activation in the spinal cord (LTP effect is a long-lasting enhancement phenomenon that occurs in the signal transmission of two neurons, which can stimulate two nerves simultaneously , Is generally regarded as one of the main molecular mechanisms that form the basis of learning and memory). This process is mediated by free messengers outside the cell, including serine and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). These substances can be transported long distances through the cerebrospinal fluid, thereby affecting the sensitivity of synapses, producing pain amplification effects, and The pain spreads to parts of the body that were not previously affected. The researchers said that this study provides an explanation for the pain that has been unexplained so far.

　　In fact, as early as 2001, the Chinese Academy of Sciences reported that chronic morphine can activate astrocytes in the spinal cord of rats. Subsequent studies have shown that inflammatory molecules released by glial cells can reverse hyperalgesia in rats. Severe pain from wounds, surgery, or opioids may cause excessive activation of spinal cord glial cells. This may explain why opioids are good pain relief drugs at the beginning but often fail later. Another example is drug withdrawal symptoms, activated glial cells will cause severe pain throughout the body.

　　Researchers also said that neuroinflammation, environmental factors and even personal lifestyle habits in the brain may cause glial cell activation. Studies have shown that depression, anxiety, chronic stress, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, lack of exercise, and poor diet may all cause glial cell activation. Glial cells are essential for maintaining the balance of the human neuro-inflammatory system.

　　This study provides conclusive evidence for the common sense of health preservation that "improving personal living habits will help the body avoid some minor injuries and pains." Three to four times a week, 30 minutes of moderate exercise or a healthy diet will have a huge impact.