Neurogenic inflammation in Musculoskeletal Condition

Neurogenic inflammation (NI) is the physiological process by which mediators are released directly from the cutaneous nerves to initiate an inflammatory reaction. This results in production of local inflammatory responses including erythema, swelling, temperature increase, tenderness, and pain[1].

Fine unmyelinated afferent somatic C-fibers, which respond to low intensity mechanical and chemical stimulations, are largely responsible for the release of inflammatory mediators. When stimulated, these nerve fibers in the cutaneous nerves release active neuropeptides – substance P and calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) – rapidly into the microenvironment, triggering a series of inflammatory responses1-7.

  1. Butler DS, Matheson MJ 2000 The sensitive nervous system, Noigroup publications. Butler DS, Moseley GL 2003 Explain pain, Noigroup Publications. Chiu IM, von Hehn CA, Woolf CJ 2012 Neurogenic inflammation and the peripheral nervous system in host defense and immunopathology. Nature neuroscience 15: 1063-7. Richardson JD, Vasko MR 2002 Cellular mechanisms of neurogenic inflammation. The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics 302: 839-45. Steinhoff M, Stander S, Seeliger S, Ansel JC, Schmelz M, Luger T 2003 Modern aspects of cutaneous neurogenic inflammation. Archives of Dermatology 139: 1479-88. Zegarska B, Lelinska A, Tyrakowski T 2006 Clinical and experimental aspects of cutaneous neurogenic inflammation. Pharmacological reports : PR 58: 13-21.