Elucidation of the mechanisms underlying inhibition of the function of P2X7 receptor aimed at development of novel analgesics for refractory chromic pain

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K20065
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Anesthesiology
• Research Institution: University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
• Principal Investigator: OKURA Dan 産業医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (00596710)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 難治性慢性疼痛 / ATP受容体 / P2X7受容体 / P2X7受容体抑制機構 / ニューロステロイド / 新たな鎮痛薬開発

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We investigated the effects of neurosteroid that have analgesic effect, pregnenolone sulfate and antidepressants, paroxetine that have been used for neuropathic pain on the function of P2X7 receptor using electrophysiological technique in order to contribute the development of selective P2X7 inhibitor as a novel analgesic for refractory chronic pain constituted by nociceptive and neuropathic pain. We found that these compounds inhibit the function of P2X7 receptor dose-dependently, and that the inhibitory effect is noncompetitive inhibition. These results would help to clarify the mechanisms underlying inhibition of P2X7 receptor function, and contribute the development of selective P2X7 receptor inhibitor.

Free Research Field

麻酔科学