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NMDARs mediate peripheral and central sensitization contributing to chronic orofacial pain
Ya-Jing Liu1,2, Yue-Ling Li1,2, Zhong-Han Fang1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
|October 14, 2022
Summary
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are key players in chronic orofacial pain by mediating sensitization in the trigeminal system. Targeting NMDARs offers a promising therapeutic strategy for orofacial pain conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic orofacial pain involves peripheral and central sensitization of the trigeminal nervous system.
- N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are implicated in processing trigeminal nociceptive signals.
- Understanding NMDAR roles is crucial for chronic orofacial pain mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pivotal roles and mechanisms of NMDARs in the trigeminal nervous system under orofacial neuropathic and inflammatory pain.
- To summarize NMDAR types, components, and distribution within the trigeminal system.
- To discuss NMDAR-mediated communication in peripheral and central sensitization contributing to orofacial pain.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on preclinical and clinical evidence.
- Analysis of NMDAR function in peripheral and central nervous system circuits.
- Examination of neuron-nonneuronal cell and neuron-neuron communication pathways.
Main Results:
- NMDARs contribute to pain-related neuroplasticity in the peripheral nervous system.
- NMDARs mediate excitatory synaptic transmission and plasticity in the central nervous system.
- NMDARs play significant roles in both ascending and descending trigeminal pain circuits.
Conclusions:
- NMDARs are critical mediators of central sensitization in chronic orofacial pain.
- Findings provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of orofacial pain.
- Targeting NMDARs presents a potential therapeutic avenue for chronic orofacial pain.
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