role of astrocytes in chronic pain

Abstract

This thesis investigates the role of spinal astrocytes in chronic pain, particularly their involvement in neuroinflammation. It examines how glutamate activates astrocytes, increasing mitochondrial activity, calcium signaling, GFAP expression, and inflammatory pathways such as NF-κB. Glutamate also increases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, especially IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-6 at higher concentrations. The study found increased NLRP2 inflammasome activation and GSDM-D cleavage, suggesting involvement of inflammatory and pyroptotic mechanisms in astrocyte responses. Kynurenic acid (KYNA) reduced inflammatory cytokine production and cytotoxicity, indicating a potential protective role against glutamate-induced astrocyte activation