Neurochemistry international
-
Emerging evidence indicates that chronic neuroinflammation plays a pivotal role in neuropathic pain. We explored whether activation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChRs) pathway on peripheral immune cells improves neuropathic pain. Mice were subjected to partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSL). ⋯ PSL-induced up-regulation of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines was suppressed by perineural administration of nicotine. Taken together, the expression of α4β2 and α7 subtypes of nAChRs may be increased on circulating macrophages and neutrophils in injured peripheral nerves. Activation of nAChRs on immune cells may relieve neuropathic pain accompanied by the suppression of neuroinflammation.