Dear Dubious,

I have to start with this article, focus on the IL 6 and TNF alpha.

The pathophysiology of CRPS is still a matter of debate. Afferent, efferent and central nervous system mechanisms are presumed. In artificially raised skin blisters in CRPS involved extremities, significantly higher levels of IL6 and TNF alpha were found. This is evidence for, in part, an inflammatory process. In another study significantly higher levels of tryptase in blister fluid of involved extremities were found; this demonstrates involvement of mast cells in the inflammatory process. In a case study describing one patient with an acute CRPS and another with a chronic CRPS, both patients received intravenous antiTNF. Both showed a clinical improvement and a decrease in cytokine levels in blister fluid. It is concluded that not only the nervous system but also the neuroimmune system is involved in the pathophysiology of CRPS.
http://www.rsdcanada.org/parc/englis...udies2005.html

Take notice of the neuroimmune system. Hugs, Roz