Wallerian degeneration and neuropathic pain

Wallerian degeneration is a stereotype reaction of the peripheral nervous system to different kinds of nerve injury. This auto-destructive process is frequently associated with neuropathic pain, which can be very severe and resistant to treatment. The bridging factors between Wallerian degeneration and neuropathic pain are incompletely understood. Here we summarize current knowledge of the early and late mechanisms of Wallerian degeneration, the understanding of which may eventually lead to new therapeutic strategies.

Section editors:Frank Porreca – University of Arizona, Tucson, USAMichael Ossipov – University of Arizona, Tucson, USA