Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Proteomics to Identify Proteins Interacting with P2X2 Ligand-Gated Cation Channels
Published on: May 18, 2009
P2X receptor-mediated modulation of sensory transmission to the spinal cord dorsal horn
1Department of Oral Surgery, Division of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute and College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610, USA. jgu@dental.ufl.edu
Abstract:
In the somatosensory system, P2X receptors are expressed on both peripheral and central terminals of primary afferent neurons. Those expressed on peripheral terminals are activated in response to both nociceptive and innocuous stimuli, whereas those at central terminals ("central terminal P2X receptors") play an important role in modulating sensory transmission to the spinal cord dorsal horn. The author reviews recent studies on the central terminal P2X receptors. It is proposed that central terminal P2X receptors, once activated, may be involved in both central sensitization and initiation of pain. Thus, these receptors may represent a promising target for therapeutic management of pathological pain.
Related Concept Videos
Spinal Cord: Information Processing
Sensory Information Processing
Sensory information processing begins at the sensory receptors located in the skin and other tissues, which detect somatic sensory stimuli such as touch, temperature, or pain. These receptors function as catalysts, initiating...
Nociception
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels
Postsynaptic Potential (PSP)
There are two types of receptors: ionotropic and metabotropic.
The ionotropic receptor is the membrane protein that has an...
Somatosensation
