Targeting dorsal root ganglia and primary sensory neurons for the treatment of chronic pain.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Currently the treatment of chronic pain is inadequate and compromised by debilitating central nervous system side effects. Here we discuss new therapeutic strategies that target dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) in the peripheral nervous system for a better and safer treatment of chronic pain. Areas covered: The DRGs contain the cell bodies of primary sensory neurons including nociceptive neurons. After painful injuries, primary sensory neurons demonstrate maladaptive molecular changes in DRG cell bodies and in their axons. These changes result in hypersensitivity and hyperexcitability of sensory neurons (peripheral sensitization) and are crucial for the onset and maintenance of chronic pain. We discuss the following new strategies to target DRGs and primary sensory neurons a

SUBMITTER: Berta T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5890331 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature