IMAGE (IMAGE) National Institutes of Natural Sciences Caption Peripheral nerve injury triggers organization of pain-causing circuits that mediate the long-lasting mechanical allodynia. Activation astrocytes combined with blocking peripheral noxious afferent input induce spine elimination that breaks down inappropriate neuronal connections, reversing mechanical allodynia. The pain-causing circuits are a potential target of the therapy for chronic pain. Credit Ikuko Takeda Usage Restrictions none License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.