Cytokines are small secreted proteins released by
cells have a specific effect on the interactions and communications between cells. Cytokine is a general name; other names include lymphokine (cytokines made by lymphocytes), monokine (cytokines made by monocytes), chemokine (cytokines with chemotactic activities), and interleukin (cytokines made by one leukocyte and acting on other leukocytes).
Cytokines may act on the
cells that secrete them (autocrine action), k (paracrine action), or in some instances on distant
cells (endocrine action). There are both pro-inflammatory
cytokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines. There is significant evidence showing that certain cytokines/chemokines are involved in not only the initiation but also the persistence of pathologic
pain by directly activating nociceptive sensory neurons. Certain inflammatory
cytokines are also involved in nerve-injury/inflammation-induced central sensitization, and are related to the development of contralateral hyperalgesia/allodynia. The discussion presented in this chapter describes several key pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines, their relation with pathological
pain in animals and human patients, and possible underlying mechanisms.
Relevant Topics in General Science