Molecular Neurobiology of Pain: 9 (Progress in Pain Research and Management)

New research tools in molecular neurobiology contribute enormously to our understanding of neural plasticity, receptor regulation, and transcriptional regulation of genes. The explosive progress in these areas sets the stage for significant advances in developing novel therapeutic approaches for pain. Internationally preeminent scientists describe exciting developments in our knowledge of afferent pain neurons such as altered spinal connections and changes in transmitter and receptor complement. Also described are growth-factor contributions to inflammation and the cloning of genes for opioid receptors and sodium channels. These and other developments described in this book provide a vivid glimpse at the promising future for pain research and treatment.