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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
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Chronic Post-Ischemia Pain Model for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type-I in Rats
Published on: January 21, 2020
P2X3 receptor involvement in pain states
Kerstin Wirkner1, Beata Sperlagh, Peter Illes
1Rudolf-Boehm-Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, Haertelstrasse 16-18, 04107, Leipzig, Germany. Kerstin.Wirkner@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Molecular Neurobiology
|October 24, 2007
Summary
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) released from injured tissues activates pain receptors. The P2X(3) receptor is crucial in pain signaling, offering potential for targeted pain therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Pain processing involves peripheral and central nervous system pathways.
- Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is released during tissue injury and can activate nociceptors.
- Specific P2X receptors, particularly P2X(3), are found in the nociceptive system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on the role of ATP and P2X receptors in pain perception.
- To highlight the significance of the P2X(3) receptor in various pain states.
Main Methods:
- Review of recently published scientific literature.
- Analysis of studies investigating ATP and P2X receptor involvement in pain pathways.
Main Results:
- ATP depolarization of neurons in key pain structures (trigeminal ganglion, dorsal root ganglion, spinal cord dorsal horn) is well-documented.
- P2X receptor-mediated activation is implicated in visceral, neuropathic, migraine, and cancer pain.
Conclusions:
- ATP and P2X receptors play a significant role in pain perception.
- The P2X(3) receptor is a key target for developing selective pain therapies.
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