Publication de 4 numéros par an
ISSN Imprimer: 2155-014X
ISSN En ligne: 2155-0158
P2X3-Receptor Desensitization as an Alternative Mechanism of Analgesia
RÉSUMÉ
The synthesis of substances capable of suppressing pathological pain is one of the most important current medical problems. However, any method for chronic pain inhibition has not been invented yet. Chronic pain is largely mediated by the activation of purinergic P2X3- and P2X2/3-receptors. They are expressed in nociceptive sensory neurons, being the prospective targets for analgesic drugs. There are several potential strategies to prevent P2X3 receptor activation. Recent studies have shown that P2X3-receptor antagonists and genetic deletion may have analgesic effects in inflammatory and naturopathic models. P2X3-receptors have fast and persistent desensitization. Affecting this property could serve to reduce the ATP-mediated sensation of chronic pain. Therefore, in this review we outline and analyze the effectiveness and prospects of pharmacological agents acting through desensitization of P2X3-receptor versus its competitive antagonists.