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Differential expression of P2X7 receptor and IL-1β in nociceptive and neuropathic pain

Benjamin Luchting1, Jens Heyn2, Tobias Woehrle1

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, LMU-Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.

Journal of Neuroinflammation
|May 6, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Neuropathic pain (NeP) patients show increased P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) expression and IL-1β levels, unlike chronic low back pain patients. P2X7R inhibitors may treat NeP.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Pain Research

Background:

  • Chronic pain pathogenesis and therapy are under extensive investigation.
  • The ATP-gated P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is implicated in pain models.
  • The adaptive immune system's role in human chronic pain is a recent discovery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze P2X7R expression on adaptive immune cells in chronic pain patients.
  • To compare P2X7R expression and IL-1β serum levels in neuropathic pain (NeP) and chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients versus healthy volunteers.
  • To identify patient subgroups potentially benefiting from P2X7R-modulating therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) for P2X7R messenger RNA (mRNA) expression.
  • Fluorescence-assisted cell sorting (FACS) for P2X7R protein expression on lymphocytes and monocytes.
  • Multiplex cytokine assay for serum IL-1β levels.

Main Results:

  • Significantly increased P2X7R mRNA and protein levels were observed in monocytes and lymphocytes of NeP patients compared to healthy volunteers.
  • No significant changes in P2X7R expression were found in CLBP patients.
  • Serum IL-1β concentrations were significantly elevated exclusively in NeP patients.

Conclusions:

  • Upregulation of P2X7R and elevated IL-1β are characteristic of NeP.
  • P2X7R inhibitors show potential for treating NeP.
  • Clinical Trial Registration: DRKS00005954.
Keywords:
Chronic low back painIl-1βNeuroinflammationNeuropathic painT cellsTH17Treg

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