An Introduction to Pain Pathways and Pain "Targets"

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a brief introduction to the anatomy and physiology of pain pathways from peripheral nociceptors to central nervous system areas involved in the perception and modulation of pain. This chapter also provides a short introduction to major types of persistent pain: neuropathic and inflammatory persistent pain, and gives an overview of some important molecular targets that are thought to mediate these types of pain. These targets, which include ion channels, receptors, and some neurotransmitters, are further discussed in the context of their relevance as potential drug targets for the better treatment of pain in patients with persistent pain. Finally, this chapter introduces several important concepts in pain research that will be primary topics for chapters that come later in the book.