P2X4 purinoceptor signaling in chronic pain.

Abstract

ATP, acting via P2 purinergic receptors, is a known mediator of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. There is increasing evidence that the ATP-gated P2X4 receptor (P2X4R) subtype is a locus through which activity of spinal microglia and peripheral macrophages instigate pain hypersensitivity caused by inflammation or by injury to a peripheral nerve. The present article highlights the recent advances in our understanding of microglia-neuron interactions in neuropathic pain by focusing on the signaling and regulation of the P2X4R. We will also develop a framework for understanding converging lines of evidence for involvement of P2X4Rs expressed on macrophages in peripheral inflammatory pain.

• Authors: Tuan Trang, Michael W Salter
• Journal: Purinergic signalling (Purinergic Signal) Vol. 8 Issue 3 Pg. 621-8 (Sep 2012) ISSN: 1573-9546 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 22528681 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Receptors, Purinergic P2X4
• Adenosine Triphosphate

Topics

• Adenosine Triphosphate (physiology)
• Animals
• Chronic Pain (pathology, physiopathology)
• Humans
• Inflammation (pathology)
• Microglia (pathology)
• Neuralgia (pathology)
• Neurons (pathology)
• Receptors, Purinergic P2X4 (physiology)
• Signal Transduction (physiology)