Spinal Astrocytes in Pain Processing: Non-Neuronal Cells as Therapeutic Targets

Astrocyte-mediated regulation of synaptic neurotransmission. A number of avenues have been identified whereby astrocytes can influence nociceptive signaling. Some possible targets of astrocyte-mediated control are indicated. See text for details. (AMPAR, α-amino-5-hydroxy-3methyl-4-isoxazole receptor; ATP, adenosine triphosphate; BDNF, brain derived neurotrophic factor; CGRP, calcitonin gene related peptide; CX43, connexin 43; GLT-1, glutamate transporter 1; IL-1β, interleukin 1β; MMP2, matrix metalloproteinase 2; NK-1, neurokinin-1; NMDA, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid; P-JNK, phospho-Jun N-terminal kinase; P2Y, purinergic receptor 2Y; SP, substance P; TrkBR, BDNF receptor; TS, thrombospondin.)