Pathological pain is caused by abnormal activity in the neural circuit that transmits nociceptive stimuli. Beyond homeostatic functions, astrocytes actively participate in regulating synaptic transmission as members of tripartite synapses. The perisynaptic astrocytic process (PAP) is the key structure that allows astrocytes to play these roles and not only physically supports synapse formation through cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) but also regulates the efficiency of chemical signaling. Accumulating evidence has revealed that spinal astrocytes are involved in pathological pain by modulating the efficacy of neurotransmitters such as glutamate and GABA through transporters located in the PAP and by directly regulating synaptic transmission through various gliotransmitters. Although various CAMs contribute to pathological pain, insufficient evidence is available as to whether astrocytic CAMs also have this role. Therefore, more in-depth research is needed on how pathological pain is induced and maintained by astrocytes, especially in the PAP surrounding the synapse, and this will subsequently increase our understanding and treatment of pathological pain.

中文翻译：

---

脊髓星形胶质细胞通过突触周围星形胶质细胞过程在病理性疼痛中的作用

病理性疼痛是由传递伤害性刺激的神经回路异常活动引起的。除了稳态功能之外，星形胶质细胞作为三方突触的成员积极参与调节突触传递。突触周围星形胶质细胞过程 (PAP) 是星形胶质细胞发挥这些作用的关键结构，不仅通过细胞粘附分子 (CAM) 在物理上支持突触形成，而且还调节化学信号传导的效率。越来越多的证据表明，脊髓星形胶质细胞通过位于 PAP 中的转运蛋白调节谷氨酸和 GABA 等神经递质的功效，并通过各种胶质递质直接调节突触传递，从而参与病理性疼痛。尽管各种 CAM 都会导致病理性疼痛，但没有足够的证据证明星形细胞 CAM 是否也具有这种作用。因此，需要更深入地研究星形胶质细胞如何诱导和维持病理性疼痛，特别是在突触周围的PAP中，这将增加我们对病理性疼痛的认识和治疗。