Definition
A subset of nociceptive Aδ and C afferents contain pro-inflammatory neuropeptides (mainly “sleeping” nociceptors). If a peptidergic C fiber is activated, it releases neuropeptides from all the nerve terminals, which belong to this C fiber (axonal tree). Since always more than one C fiber will be activated by noxious stimulation, a homogenous area of neurogenic inflammation in the vicinity of the painful stimulus occurs.Release of these neuropeptides upon nociceptive activation causes inflammatory responses consisting of protein plasma extravasation(edema; mainly induced by substance P and neurokinin A) and vasodilatation (mainly mediated by CGRP). Endothelial activation and secretion, degranulation of perivascular mast cells and the attraction of leucocytes has additionally been observed in some tissues like the dura mater. This reaction was first described as the axon reflex by Thomas Lewis, and underlies the flare and wheal response often seen surrounding local tissue...
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© 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
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(2007). Neurogenic Inflammation. In: Schmidt, R., Willis, W. (eds) Encyclopedia of Pain. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-29805-2_2643
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-29805-2_2643
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-43957-8
Online ISBN: 978-3-540-29805-2
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