Antidepressants inhibit P2X4 receptor function: a possible involvement in neuropathic pain relief.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neuropathic pain is characterized by pain hypersensitivity to innocuous stimuli (tactile allodynia) that is nearly always resistant to known treatments such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or even opioids. It has been reported that some antidepressants are effective for treating neuropathic pain. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well understood. We have recently demonstrated that blocking P2X4 receptors in the spinal cord reverses tactile allodynia after peripheral nerve injury in rats, implying that P2X4 receptors are a key molecule in neuropathic pain. We investigated a possible role of antidepressants as inhibitors of P2X4 receptors and analysed their analgesic mechanism using an animal model of neuropathic pain.

Results

Antidepress

SUBMITTER: Nagata K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2680826 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature