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Review
. 2013 Sep 5;18(9):10953-72.
doi: 10.3390/molecules180910953.

Physiological roles and potential therapeutic applications of the P2X7 receptor in inflammation and pain

Luiz Anastacio Alves  1 , Rômulo José Soares Bezerra, Robson Xavier Faria, Leonardo Gomes Braga Ferreira, Valber da Silva Frutuoso
Affiliations
Review

Physiological roles and potential therapeutic applications of the P2X7 receptor in inflammation and pain

Luiz Anastacio Alves et al. Molecules. .

Abstract

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a nonselective cation channel that is activated by extracellular ATP and triggers the secretion of several proinflammatory substances, such as IL-1β, IL-18, TNF-α, and nitric oxide. Recently, several preclinical studies have demonstrated that this receptor participates in inflammation and pain mechanisms. Taken together, these results indicate that P2X7R is a promising pharmacological target, and compounds that modulate the function of this receptor show potential as new anti-inflammatory medicines. In this review, we discuss aspects of P2X7R pharmacology and the participation of this protein in inflammation and pain and provide an overview of some promising compounds that have been tested as antagonists of P2X7R, with clinical applicability.

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