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Astrocytic α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors mediate pain information processing and perception.
Teng Teng1, Shaofan Yang2, Jin Li2
1Brain Research Center and State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Experimental Center of Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
Neurobiology of Disease
|December 26, 2025
Summary
Astrocytic alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7-nAChRs) are crucial for pain processing. Deleting these receptors in astrocytes reduces d-serine and impairs pain perception, highlighting their role in pain signaling.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Astrocyte Biology
Background:
- The astrocyte-neuron network in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) is vital for processing pain stimuli.
- Astrocytic alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7-nAChRs) are activated by pain, but their precise role in pain perception is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of astrocytic α7-nAChRs in pain information processing and perception within the S1 region.
Main Methods:
- Selective deletion of astrocytic α7-nAChRs in mice using genetic approaches (rAAV5 or tamoxifen-inducible Cre).
- Assessment of α7-nAChR and d-serine expression via immunohistochemistry.
- In vivo monitoring of astrocytic and neuronal Ca2+ activity using two-photon imaging and fiber photometry.
- Evaluation of nociceptive and sensory behaviors using hot plate and von Frey tests.
Main Results:
- Conditional deletion of astrocytic α7-nAChRs significantly reduced d-serine levels.
- The deletion attenuated both astrocytic Ca2+ transients and neuronal activity in S1 evoked by pain stimuli.
- Behavioral tests showed impaired thermal pain responses but no changes in tactile sensitivity or general locomotion.
Conclusions:
- Astrocytic α7-nAChRs in S1 are essential for maintaining d-serine levels and enhancing astrocytic activity.
- These receptors play a critical role in pain-related information processing within astrocyte-neuron networks.
- Targeting astrocytic α7-nAChRs represents a potential strategy for modulating pain perception.
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