P2X receptor-mediated modulation of sensory transmission to the spinal cord dorsal horn.
In the somatosensory system, P2X receptors are expressed on both peripheral and central terminals of primary afferent neurons. Those expressed on peripheral terminals are activated in response to both nociceptive and innocuous stimuli, whereas those at central terminals ("central terminal P2X receptors") play an important role in modulating sensory transmission to the spinal cord dorsal horn. The author reviews recent studies on the central terminal P2X receptors. It is proposed that central terminal P2X receptors, once activated, may be involved in both central sensitization and initiation of pain. Thus, these receptors may represent a promising target for therapeutic management of pathological pain.
Department of Oral Surgery, Division of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute and College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610, USA. jgu@dental.ufl.edu
Jianguo G
JG
Gu
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000502:physiology*; D020671:Posterior Horn Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2 / Q000502:physiology*; D058476:Receptors, Purinergic P2X2; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*
C546401:P2RX2 protein, human; D018048:Receptors, Purinergic P2; D058476:Receptors, Purinergic P2X2