Neuropeptides in neuropathic and inflammatory pain with special emphasis on cholecystokinin and galanin

Neuropeptides present in primary afferents and the dorsal hom of the spinal cord have an important role in the mediation of nociceptive input under no rmal conditions. Under pathological conditions, such as chronic inflammatio n or following peripheral nerve injury, the production of peptides and pept ide receptors is dramatically altered, leading to a number of functional co nsequences. In this review, the role Of two neuropeptides that undergo such altered expression under pathological conditions, cholecystokinin (CKK) an d galanin, is reviewed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.