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[ATP receptors in pain]
1Neuropharmacology Section, Division of Pharmacology, National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1 Kamiyoga, Setagaya, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan.
Nihon Yakurigaku Zasshi. Folia Pharmacologica Japonica
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Extracellular ATP activates sensory neurons through P2X receptors, influencing pain signal transmission. Different P2X receptor subtypes mediate distinct pain responses, including thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain research
- Molecular biology
Context:
- Extracellular ATP is a key signaling molecule in pain pathways.
- P2X receptors are ATP-gated ion channels expressed on sensory neurons.
- These receptors are implicated in pain signal transduction from periphery to spinal cord.
Purpose:
- To elucidate the specific roles of P2X receptor subtypes in pain signaling.
- To investigate the differential contribution of P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors to pain perception.
- To explore the involvement of G protein-coupled ATP receptors in pain modulation.
Summary:
- P2X3 receptors in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons mediate rapidly desensitizing currents, thermal hyperalgesia, and nocifensive behavior.
- Heteromeric P2X2/3 receptors in capsaicin-insensitive fibers generate slow desensitizing currents and induce mechanical allodynia.
- G protein-coupled ATP receptors may also modulate pain generation and transmission.
Impact:
- Provides a detailed understanding of P2X receptor subtypes in pain mechanisms.
- Highlights distinct roles of P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptors in different pain modalities.
- Suggests potential therapeutic targets for pain management by modulating ATP receptors.