Acupuncture-Analgesia-Mediated Alleviation of Central Sensitization

Figure 2

Mechanisms of pain-induced central sensitization. Pain transduction pathway (hollow arrows); upregulation of central sensitization (solid broad arrows); downregulation of central sensitization (solid thin arrows). 5-HT: 5-hydroxytryptamine; BDNF: brain-derived neurotrophic factor; NDMA: N-methyl-D-aspartic acid; NO: nitric oxide; PAG: periaqueductal gray; RVM: rostral ventromedial medulla.