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Last updated: Wed, Jun 21, 2017
The most common cells by count in the central nervous system are glial cells, small cells that act in support of the neurons and that are part of the immune system. Astrocytes, so named because they are somewhat star-like in appearance, make up about half of the glial cells in the central nervous system, microglia about 10%. The remainder of the glial cells have no known effect on pain perception.
Glial cells physically surround and protect neurons. An astrocyte can encapsulate thousands of synapses. Both astrocytes and microglia are sensitive to many neurotransmitters, and they become active when there is peripheral trauma or inflammation, or when there is damage to nerves. Astrocytes and glial cells are highly secretory, and when activated they can secrete large amounts of both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory chemicals, including chemicals which make neurons more excited. Microglia are phagocytic, meaning that they engulf and destroy viruses, bacteria, and other substances that they sense as not belonging in the tissue. Microglia are able to proliferate and migrate.
Because of their ability to secrete excitatory chemicals, spinal glia are believed to be involved in some types of spinal hyperalgesia.