Enhanced exosome secretion regulated by microglial P2X7R in the medullary dorsal horn contributes to pulpitis-induced pain.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pulpitis is a prevalent oral disease characterized by severe pain. The activation of microglia in the medullary dorsal horn (MDH) is reportedly essential for the central sensitization mechanism associated with pulpitis. The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) on microglia can trigger the secretion of exosomes enriched with IL-1β, which is involved in inflammation. Thus, we hypothesized that the enhanced exosome secretion regulated by microglial P2X7R in the MDH contributes to pulpitis-induced pain.

Methods

An experimental pulpitis model was established in male SD rats to observe pain behaviors. Immunofluorescence staining, western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR were used to analyze the expression of IL-1β and Rab27a, a key protein secreted by exosomes during nociceptiv

SUBMITTER: Zhang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11847359 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature