MECHANISMS OF P2X7 RECEPTOR INVOLVEMENT IN PAIN REGULATION: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Cao Qiang¹, Zhang Qi¹, Qiang Yi^{2, *}

¹Macau University of Science and Technology School of Pharmacy, Taishan University, Human Resource Management, School of Business Administration - ²Kunming University of science and technology, Kunming, 650000, Yunnan, China

Introduction: The P2X7 receptor is activated by ATP and its derivatives to induce a series of responses such as PANX1 activation and IL-1β release. 

Materials and methods: The role and mechanism of P2X7 receptors in pain can be elucidated to provide ideas for the development of novel and effective analgesic drugs. 

Results: In this paper, we describe the research progress of P2X7 receptors in pain from the aspects of inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, cancer pain and morphine analgesic tolerance, and explore the possible mechanisms of P2X7 receptors involved in the pain regulation process. 

Conclusion: A review of 207 P2X7 receptor-related studies from three major academic search engines has been conducted to clarify that P2X7 receptors play an important role in the generation and development of inflammation and pain, and to illustrate the role of P2X7 receptors in the regulation of pain signalling through a literature review.