Hello, I have a question about pain research. In studies where clodronate or minocycline is injected into a CIPN model, macrophages are suppressed or removed, which leads to pain relief. I understand that reducing macrophages can reduce inflammation and thereby relieve pain. However, while macrophages can contribute to inflammation, don't they also have anti-inflammatory and cleaning functions? Since they play a beneficial role, I'm curious why removing macrophages results in pain relief and whether this could have long-term positive effects. Thank you
Macrophage expressed COX2 that catalyses the production of PGE2. PGE2 is the ligand for pain receptor EP4 that is sensed by neurons as "neuropathic pain". That's why NSAID (pain relief drugs) are mostly COX inhibitor.
Yes they do indeed beneficial in long term even though they cause pain. You just need to consider the "pain" as the part of the healing process.
Yanuar Sulistio
Thank you for your response! I have a follow-up question out of curiosity. If we consider pain as part of the healing process, wouldn't the presence of macrophages actually be necessary?
M2 macrophages play a crucial role in tissue repair and resolution of inflammation. They secrete anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and TGF-β, promote efferocytosis (the clearance of apoptotic cells and debris), and support nerve regeneration.
By switching from a pro-inflammatory (M1) to an anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotype, macrophages help resolve inflammation and restore tissue homeostasis, ultimately contributing to the alleviation of neuropathic pain over time.
Given these important functions, wouldn’t removing macrophages potentially delay nerve recovery rather than help it?
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Biological Science
- Biochemistry
- Enzymology
- Enzymes