7 P2X receptors carry out many important functions in the central and peripheral nervous system.
8,9 Compelling evidence has shown that P2X3, P2X4 and P2X7 receptors are involved in the pathogenesis of chronic pain.
10 P2X7R exists in neurons and glial cells of the nervous system, but is mainly expressed in cells of immune origin such as monocytes, macrophages, and microglia.
11 The absence of P2X7R can completely eliminate the inflammatory and neuropathic hypersensitivity to both mechanical and temperature stimulation.
12–14 P2X7R in microglia plays an important role in chronic neuropathy and inflammatory pain by releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β.