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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Two-photon Imaging of Microglial Processes' Attraction Toward ATP or Serotonin in Acute Brain Slices
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Two-photon Imaging of Microglial Processes' Attraction Toward ATP or Serotonin in Acute Brain Slices

Published on: January 31, 2019

ATP receptors of microglia involved in pain

Kazuhide Inoue1

  • 1Department of Molecular and System Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.

Novartis Foundation Symposium
|June 30, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Activated microglia and their ATP receptors, like P2X4, are key players in neuropathic pain development. Targeting these receptors offers a potential therapeutic strategy for nerve injury pain.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Microglia are CNS immune cells activated by threats to homeostasis.
  • Activated microglia release mediators, including pro-inflammatory cytokines, influencing neuronal function.
  • ATP receptors on activated microglia are increasingly linked to neuropathic pain.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of ATP receptors, specifically P2X4, in microglia activation and neuropathic pain.
  • To explore the involvement of cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-alpha in nerve injury pain.

Main Methods:

  • Examined P2X4 receptor expression in spinal microglia following peripheral nerve injury.
  • Investigated the effects of pharmacological and molecular suppression of P2X4 receptors.
  • Assessed changes in cytokine levels (IL-6, TNF-alpha) in the dorsal horn post-nerve lesion.

Main Results:

  • P2X4 receptor expression is upregulated in spinal microglia after peripheral nerve injury.
  • Pharmacological and molecular blockade of P2X4 receptors reduced neuropathic pain.
  • Increased levels of IL-6 and TNF-alpha were observed in the dorsal horn post-nerve lesion.
  • ATP stimulation of microglia via purinergic receptors activates MAPK, leading to cytokine release.

Conclusions:

  • Activated microglia and their P2X4 ATP receptors play a significant role in neuropathic pain.
  • Targeting P2X4 receptors and associated cytokine pathways presents a potential therapeutic avenue for neuropathic pain management.

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