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Updated: Sep 4, 2025
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Assessment of Nerve Injury-Induced Mechanical Hypersensitivity in Rats Using an Orofacial Operant Pain Assay
Published on: July 26, 2022
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Plastic changes in nociceptive pathways contributing to persistent orofacial pain
Masamichi Shinoda1, Suzuro Hitomi1, Koichi Iwata1
1Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-8310, Japan.
Journal of Oral Biosciences
|July 15, 2022
Summary
Orofacial pain hypersensitivity stems from unclear pathophysiological mechanisms. This review explores the signaling pathways and cellular changes contributing to persistent orofacial pain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Orofacial Medicine
Background:
- Orofacial pain is a critical sensation, yet its pathophysiological mechanisms remain poorly understood.
- This lack of understanding complicates the clinical treatment of orofacial pain hypersensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology of orofacial pain.
- To outline the signaling pathways and cellular mechanisms involved in persistent orofacial pain.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on orofacial pain.
- Analysis of nociceptive signaling pathways in the trigeminal system.
Main Results:
- Orofacial inflammation or nerve injury leads to neuropathic changes.
- Plastic changes in nociceptive signaling pathways, involving various cells, contribute to persistent pain.
- Hyperexcitability of nociceptive neurons is a key factor in persistent orofacial pain.
Conclusions:
- Persistent orofacial pain is linked to hyperexcitability of nociceptive neurons.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatments for orofacial pain.
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