Roles of microglia and purinoceptors in pain

There is a abundant evidence that both extracellular and intracellular ATP have an important role in pain signaling.The focus of attention is now on the possible roles and mechanism of ATP and its receptors in chronic pain states, particularly in neuropathic pain. After the body is stimulated, the activated microglia can over express P2X4R and other ATP receptors, resulting in the release of BDNF ,IL-1β ,TNF-α、IL-6、NO.Understanding the key roles of these ATP receptors may provide new strategies for management of chronic pain states. Key words: Microglia; ATPreeeptors; P2X4; Pain