A new mechanism of central sensitization underlying pain--the role of incretin hormones signaling

Background Central sensitization is a main mechanism underlying pain. Incretin is confined to mediate insulinmimetic effects, but recent study indicates that incretin may affect the central sensitization of pain. Objective This article reviews the studies about the effects of incretin on central sensitization of spinal cord in pain. Content This review summarized physiological characters and receptor localization of incretin. Glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and its receptor, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and its receptor influence the neuronal plasticity and the central sensitization of pain. The cross-talk between GLP-1 and GIP signaling pathway is a potential mechanism of the central sensitization underlying pain. Trend Central sensitization underlying pain can be induced by incretin signaling system and their cross-talk is an important and novel concept. Key words: Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide; Glucagon like peptide-1; Pain; Neural plasticity