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P2X receptor channels in chronic pain pathways

Louis-Philippe Bernier1, Ariel R Ase2, Philippe Séguéla2

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

British Journal of Pharmacology
|July 21, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Targeting P2X3, P2X4, and P2X7 receptors offers a promising therapeutic avenue for chronic pain. Advances in understanding these ATP-gated channels illuminate their role in pain pathophysiology and guide future drug development.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Pain Research

Background:

  • Chronic pain affects many patients, with limited effective treatments.
  • ATP signaling via P2X receptors is crucial in pain development and persistence.
  • P2X receptors are excitatory, calcium-permeable ion channels targeted for pain relief.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of specific P2X receptor subtypes in chronic pain.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential and challenges of targeting P2X receptors.
  • To highlight recent advances in understanding P2X receptor function in pain.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent structural, functional, and pharmacological studies.
  • Analysis of P2X3, P2X4, and P2X7 receptor involvement in pain models.
  • Discussion of pharmacological targeting strategies.

Main Results:

  • P2X3, P2X4, and P2X7 receptors significantly contribute to inflammatory, neuropathic, and cancer pain.
  • Detailed characterization of these receptors in rodent and human systems.
  • Identification of therapeutic opportunities and associated challenges.

Conclusions:

  • Selective targeting of P2X receptors presents a promising strategy for chronic pain management.
  • Further research into P2X receptor pharmacology is essential for developing novel analgesics.
  • Understanding subtype-specific roles is key to effective therapeutic manipulation.

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