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Purinergic mechanisms and pain--an update
1Autonomic Neuroscience Centre, University College Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom.
European Journal of Pharmacology
|March 26, 2013
Summary
Purinergic signaling pathways are crucial for pain perception. This review explores their role in various pain types and discusses potential therapeutic targets for pain relief.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Pain Research
Background:
- Purinergic signaling, mediated by extracellular nucleotides and nucleosides, plays a significant role in physiological and pathological processes.
- These signaling pathways are increasingly recognized for their involvement in pain mechanisms across different tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on purinergic signaling in nociception.
- To examine the role of specific purinergic receptors (P2X3, P2X2/3, P2X4, P2X7, P2Y12) in visceral, cutaneous, and musculoskeletal pain.
- To discuss current therapeutic strategies targeting purinergic pathways for pain management.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on purinergic signaling and pain.
- Analysis of the involvement of specific P2X and P2Y receptors in nociception.
- Discussion of preclinical and clinical developments in purinergic therapeutics for pain.
Main Results:
- Purinergic mechanosensory transduction is integral to visceral, cutaneous, and musculoskeletal nociception.
- P2X3, P2X2/3, P2X4, P2X7, and P2Y12 receptors are implicated in neuropathic and inflammatory pain states.
- Several compounds targeting these receptors are under development for treating visceral and neuropathic pain.
Conclusions:
- Purinergic signaling is a key player in pain processing and a promising target for novel analgesics.
- Understanding the specific roles of different purinergic receptors can guide the development of more effective pain therapies.
- Targeting purinergic pathways offers potential for treating challenging pain conditions like visceral and neuropathic pain.
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