Fig. 7

The possible mechanism of A1 and A2 subtypes of reactive astrocytes in chronic pain. A1 reactive astrocytes may facilitate directly the development of chronic pain by releasing some molecules such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and intracellular kinases. It can also indirectly lead to chronic pain by inducing neuronal death. A2 astrocytes may inhibit the progression of chronic pain by secreting neuroprotective factors that promote neuronal survival