The Neuroscientist : a review journal bringing neurobiology, neurology and psychiatry
-
Chronic pain is a debilitating and rather common health problem. The present shortage in analgesic drugs with a favorable spectrum but without remarkable side effects furthered the search for alternative therapeutic manipulations. ⋯ The seminal hypothesis of Geoffrey Burnstock and the astounding findings of Maiken Nedergaard on the involvement of purinergic signaling in the beneficial effects of acupuncture fertilized the field and led to an intensification of research on acupurines. In this review, we will summarize the state-of-the-art situation and try to forecast how the field is likely to develop in the future.