Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2025

Rapid Isolation of Dorsal Root Ganglion Macrophages
07:22

Rapid Isolation of Dorsal Root Ganglion Macrophages

Published on: September 7, 2019

10.2K

Role of M1/M2 macrophages in pain modulation

Xiaoye Zhu1,2, Saige Chen3,4, Yongqiu Xie3,4

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008. 228112356@csu.edu.cn.

Zhong Nan Da Xue Xue Bao. Yi Xue Ban = Journal of Central South University. Medical Sciences
|January 9, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Macrophages, key immune cells, influence pain by switching between pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) states. Understanding this plasticity is crucial for pain management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Pain Research

Background:

  • Pain is an inflammatory signal with protective and pathogenic roles.
  • Macrophages are critical immune cells involved in pain development and neuroimmune communication.
  • Macrophages display plasticity, existing as pro-inflammatory M1 or anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of macrophage plasticity in pain modulation.
  • To understand how M1 and M2 macrophage phenotypes contribute to pain initiation and resolution.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent research on macrophage functional polarity in pain.
  • Analysis of macrophage activation, tissue infiltration, and cytokine secretion in pain contexts.
  • Examination of the mechanisms by which M1 and M2 macrophages influence pain signaling.

Main Results:

  • Macrophages dynamically alter their phenotype (M1/M2) influencing pain.
  • M1 macrophages promote pain via pro-inflammatory mediators and tissue damage.
  • M2 macrophages alleviate pain through anti-inflammatory cytokines, opioid peptides, and efferocytosis.

Conclusions:

  • Macrophage plasticity is a key factor in the initiation and mitigation of pain.
  • Targeting M1 and M2 macrophage balance offers potential therapeutic strategies for pain management.
Keywords:
M1/M2 macrophagesinflammationpainsensory neuron

More Related Videos

Polarization and Characterization of M1 and M2 Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages on Implant Surfaces08:37

Polarization and Characterization of M1 and M2 Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages on Implant Surfaces

Published on: December 6, 2024

616
Investigation of Macrophage Polarization Using Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages10:07

Investigation of Macrophage Polarization Using Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages

Published on: June 23, 2013

66.1K

Related Concept Videos

Nociception01:44

Nociception

Nociception—the ability to feel pain—is essential for an organism’s survival and overall well-being. Noxious stimuli such as piercing pain from a sharp object, heat from an open flame, or contact with corrosive chemicals are first detected by sensory receptors, called nociceptors, located on nerve endings. Nociceptors express ion channels that convert noxious stimuli into electrical signals. When these signals reach the brain via sensory neurons, they are perceived as pain.
27.7K
Analgesia and Pain Management01:25

Analgesia and Pain Management

Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
490
Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
52.5K
Pain01:20

Pain

Pain serves as a critical warning signal that alerts the body to potential or actual harm. When mechanical pressure on the skin is intense, such as from a sharp pinch, the sensation transitions from touch to pain. Similarly, extreme temperatures, like a hot pot handle, convert the sensation of heat into pain. Pain can also result from overstimulation of other senses, such as blinding light, loud noise, or the intense heat from habañero peppers. This ability to sense pain is essential for...
449
Opioid Receptors: Overview01:22

Opioid Receptors: Overview

Opioid receptors, including the mu (μ, MOR), delta (δ, DOR), and kappa (κ, KOR) types, belong to the rhodopsin family of G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are located throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and in non-neuronal tissues such as macrophages and astrocytes. Opioid receptor ligands can be categorized into agonists or antagonists. Highly selective agonists include [d-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly(ol)5]-enkephalin or DAMGO for MOR, [D-Pen2,...
501
Inflammatory Response01:28

Inflammatory Response

An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
1.8K