Pain And Neurogenic Inflammation

This volume is intended to bring together recent advances in the often separate fields of pain and neurogenic inflammation. To this end, eminent researchers from both domains have contributed in-depth discussion of the mechanisms underlying these processes. Individual chapters focus on important recent discoveries such as the cloning of the capsaicin receptor and the discovery of RAMP proteins for CGRP receptors. This book provides an integrated account of recent advances in the fields of pain and neurogenic inflammation. The volume is intended to bring together studies from eminent researchers in the often separate research fields of pain and inflammation. "Pain and Neurogenic Inflammation" is aimed primarily at postgraduate researchers as well as academic and industrial researchers in pain and inflammation but is also likely to be of interest to undergraduate students seeking a firm grounding in the mechanisms underlying these important clinical conditions.

Morphological and functional studies revealed a complex system of primary sensory neurons that parallels the autonomic nervous system not only in its extent, but probably also in its significance. Neuropeptides released from activated nociceptive afferent nerves play a pivotal role in inflammatory reactions and pain, significantly modulate cardiac, vascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and immune functions and influence the protective, restorative and trophic functions of somatic and visceral tissues. Several chapters of the book deal with the therapeutic potential of a new class of putative pain relieving agents acting through TRPV1, the capsaicin/vanilloid receptor, a specific ion channel that transmits pain. Neurogenic inflammation in historical perspective Cardiac protection by nociceptive afferents Molecular mechanisms of nociception Sensory mechanisms in migraine pathophysiology Vagal signaling of visceral inflammation Neurogenic mechanisms in arthritis Therapeutic implications of vanilloid-type compounds

Take advantage of this unique book - the first single-volume resource to explore all important aspects of neurogenic inflammation. An unrivaled compilation of up-to-date information, Neurogenic Inflammation contains chapters written by recognized authorities in their areas of expertise. It covers the basic mechanisms and the pathophysiological implications of neurogenic inflammatory processes and points to novel therapeutic strategies in the field of inflammatory and related diseases. The book highlights the many systems and mechanisms involved in neurogenic inflammation, including vasodilatation, plasma extravasation, leukocyte adhesion, smooth muscle contraction, exocrine gland secretion, and recruitment of inflammatory cells. The authors discuss the contribution of neurogenic inflammation to human diseases, such as migraine, asthma, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease, linked to the ubiquitous distribution of sensory nerves to organs and tissues at both the somatic and visceral level. Neurogenic Inflammation is the clear choice for a one-step, authoritative guide to the latest developments in this dynamic field.

For those of us involved in research on the neural mechanisms that relate tissue damage to pain. it is becoming more evident that the sensation of pain and suffering could be considered as part of a mechanism that involves not only sizeable areas in the brain but also simultaneous activations of the immune and the endocrine systems as well. A consensus is growing among specialists in the field that pain involves the sharing of molecular mechanisms between the nervous, immune and endocrine systems that can interact at peripheral and, ultimately, central levels. Furthermore, chronic pain could then be looked upon as a corollary of the imbalance in the cross talk between these systems, which could lead to new treatment strategies. The aim of this book is not to deal with acute pain that serves as an alarm signal, but to attempt to explain the molecular mechanisms of chronic pains considered as a multifactorial syndrome or disease.

This book challenges some long-held beliefs, models of treatment, and clinical reasoning about pain. It presents the current evidence on whatwe know about the sympathetic nervous system and the implications it has for patients with complex regional pain syndromes. Part 1 tackles controversial issues surrounding the role of the sympathetic nervous system in pain states and explores clinical challenges and questions that surround the topic. Can visceral disease precipitate musculoskeletal disorder? What do we know about mind body pathways? Where does the immune system fit in? What is complex regional pain syndrome? What is sympathetic maintained pain? How is it managed and treated? What are sympathetic blocks? Do they work? What happens to tissues when they are immobilised or under-used? What role does the sympathetic nervous system play in oedema, ischaemia and supersensitivity development? How can it cause pain? Part 2 is devoted to pain management. A single and highly authoritative chapter provides the information and clinical tools for us to deal more effectively with the distress and anger shown by some patients with back pain. There are excellent guidelines for clinicians seeking to further their ‘Yellow Flag’ assessment and management skills Part 3 addresses clinical effectiveness. It introduces, explains and discusses the concept and provides a rich resource for further research and investigation of the topic. There is also a critical look at ‘evidence’ and research into the effectiveness of acupuncture and TENS to help our understanding of the systematic review process and the pitfalls that so often occur in clinical research. The Topical Issues in Pain series derives from the work, study days and seminars of the Physiotherapy Pain Association and is written by clinicians for clinicians. Each volume reviews the literature and presents best practice in a lively and understandable text. All clinicians will benefit from the straightforward advice.

PROFESSOR SIR KENNETH L. STUART Pain control has become one ofmedicine's most rapidly growing disciplines, and Iwelcome the opportunity to write this foreword to abook that Iam sure will make its own unique contribution to advancing this discipline. My pleasure in writing it is heightened by my pride in the fact that its editor was at one time an undergraduate student of mine at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. One of the uncertainties teachers always face is that they can never predict how their charges will turn out. This uncertainty has been happily resolved. Dr. Parris' professional career has been marked by the same dedication and commitment that characterized his undergraduate days and that clearly has been brought to the preparation of this scholarly and practical work. Pain reliefhas been until recently acomparatively neglected field. Its neglect was determined not so much by lack ofprofessional awareness ofits import ance but mainly because so little could be done about it in the past.