Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 1, 2025
07:09
The Sciatic Nerve Cuffing Model of Neuropathic Pain in Mice
Published on: July 16, 2014
48.9K
Purinergic signalling in spinal pain processing.
Theresa H Tam1,2,3, Michael W Salter4,5,6
1Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Purinergic Signalling
|November 10, 2020
Summary
Purinergic signaling, involving ATP and adenosine, modulates pain and sensory signals in the spinal cord. Specific receptors like P2X4 are involved in pathological pain, with potential sex-based differences.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Cellular Signaling
Background:
- Purinergic signaling is crucial for sensory and pain signal transmission in the spinal cord.
- ATP and adenosine are key mediators in both normal and pain states.
- Microglial P2X4 receptors are implicated in pathological pain hypersensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted roles of purinergic signaling in spinal cord sensory processing.
- To investigate the involvement of purinergic signaling in physiological and pathological pain.
- To examine the potential sex-specific roles of P2X4 receptors in pain.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on purinergic signaling in the dorsal horn.
- Analysis of ATP and adenosine roles in nociceptive and innocuous transmission.
- Examination of P2X4 receptor expression and function in pathological pain models.
Main Results:
- ATP mediates excitatory postsynaptic potentials in nociceptive and innocuous pathways.
- Adenosine, from ATP conversion, mediates inhibitory responses and analgesia.
- De novo P2X4 receptor expression on microglia contributes to pain hypersensitivity post-nerve injury.
- P2X4 receptor involvement may be sexually dimorphic.
Conclusions:
- Purinergic signaling has complex and diverse roles in spinal cord pain processing.
- Understanding these pathways is vital for developing new pain therapies.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and sex differences in purinergic pain signaling.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Pain
1.0K
Pain serves as a critical warning signal that alerts the body to potential or actual harm. When mechanical pressure on the skin is intense, such as from a sharp pinch, the sensation transitions from touch to pain. Similarly, extreme temperatures, like a hot pot handle, convert the sensation of heat into pain. Pain can also result from overstimulation of other senses, such as blinding light, loud noise, or the intense heat from habañero peppers. This ability to sense pain is essential for...
1.0K
01:44Nociception
32.5K
Nociception—the ability to feel pain—is essential for an organism’s survival and overall well-being. Noxious stimuli such as piercing pain from a sharp object, heat from an open flame, or contact with corrosive chemicals are first detected by sensory receptors, called nociceptors, located on nerve endings. Nociceptors express ion channels that convert noxious stimuli into electrical signals. When these signals reach the brain via sensory neurons, they are perceived as pain.
32.5K
01:25Analgesia and Pain Management
1.2K
Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
1.2K
01:10Spinal Cord: Information Processing
2.5K
The spinal cord is an integral hub for motor and sensory information that enables the brain to communicate with the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This communication consists of relaying sensory data and transmission of motor commands.
Sensory Information Processing
Sensory information processing begins at the sensory receptors located in the skin and other tissues, which detect somatic sensory stimuli such as touch, temperature, or pain. These receptors function as catalysts, initiating...
Sensory Information Processing
Sensory information processing begins at the sensory receptors located in the skin and other tissues, which detect somatic sensory stimuli such as touch, temperature, or pain. These receptors function as catalysts, initiating...
2.5K
01:30Parasympathetic Signaling
2.6K
Parasympathetic signaling plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes. It involves the release of acetylcholine (ACh) by parasympathetic neurons, which can have localized and short-lived effects. The majority of ACh released is rapidly inactivated at the synapse by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which hydrolyzes Ach into choline and acetate. Additionally, the tissue cholinesterase deactivates any ACh diffusing into the surrounding tissues.
The effects of...
The effects of...
2.6K
01:22Opioid Receptors: Overview
3.3K
Opioid receptors, including the mu (μ, MOR), delta (δ, DOR), and kappa (κ, KOR) types, belong to the rhodopsin family of G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are located throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and in non-neuronal tissues such as macrophages and astrocytes. Opioid receptor ligands can be categorized into agonists or antagonists. Highly selective agonists include [d-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly(ol)5]-enkephalin or DAMGO for MOR, [D-Pen2,...
3.3K