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Wind-up and the NMDA receptor complex from a clinical perspective
1Department of Neurosurgery, The National Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. p.k.eide@labmed.uio.no
European Journal of Pain (London, England)
|June 2, 2000
Summary
Understanding central sensitization mechanisms, like wind-up and temporal summation, is key for chronic pain treatment. NMDA receptor activation plays a crucial role in these processes, offering a potential therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic pain treatment requires understanding its complex pathophysiological mechanisms.
- Central sensitization is a key mechanism implicated in chronic pain.
- Wind-up (animal models) and temporal summation (human studies) are experimental models for central sensitization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between wind-up, temporal summation, and central sensitization.
- To discuss the role of NMDA receptor mechanisms in wind-up and temporal summation.
- To explore the potential of NMDA receptors as a therapeutic target for chronic pain.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental models of central sensitization.
- Analysis of studies on wind-up in animals.
- Examination of human psychophysical studies on temporal summation.
- Discussion of NMDA receptor involvement.
Main Results:
- Wind-up and temporal summation provide insights into central sensitization mechanisms.
- Both wind-up and temporal summation are dependent on NMDA receptor activation.
- Clinical trials suggest NMDA receptor modulation may treat abnormal pain summation.
Conclusions:
- Central sensitization is a significant mechanism in chronic pain.
- NMDA receptor activation is critical for wind-up and temporal summation.
- Targeting NMDA receptors offers a promising strategy for managing chronic pain characteristics.