CX3CR1 and Cognitive impairment: Although further studies are needed to investigate the detailed molecular mechanism underlying astrocyte activation and GABA signaling induced by changes in the CX3CR1/L1 interaction during surgical pain, this study is the first to show that microglia activation by increased postoperative systemic inflammation induces a change in CX3CR1/L1 signaling and causes persistent pain and astrocyte activation, which consequently alters the level of neurotransmitters such as GABA, eventually leading to cognitive impairment.