Adult spinal cord neurogenesis: A regulator of nociception

Adult spinal cord neurogenesis, the creation of new neurons in the spinal cord, occurs at a low rate normally but increases after injury or disease. These new neurons are more excitable and move to areas of the spinal cord that process pain signals. This process may help maintain a steady level of pain sensitivity under normal conditions. However, when neurogenesis increases due to injury, it can lead to changes in spinal cord excitability and increased pain sensitivity. Some chronic pain conditions without a clear cause may be due to problems with how these new neurons develop. Treatments that help these neurons mature properly could offer a long-term solution for chronic pain.

• 1
  Adult spinal cord neurogenesis contributes to maintaining a steady-state level of nociceptive sensitivity under normal conditions.
• 2
  Pathological conditions that increase neurogenesis lead to an increased number of immature dorsal horn neurons, resulting in increased nociceptive sensitivity.
• 3
  Genetic variations that interfere with neuronal differentiation may cause an excess of highly excitable spinal cord immature neurons, leading to chronic pain.