ATP P2x receptors play little role in the maintenance of neuropathic hyperalgesia

There is good evidence that ATP receptors play a role in nociception in the periphery. We sought evidence that they contribute to neuropathic hyperalgesia. We carried out a partial ligation of the sciatic nerve in rats to induce nerve injury and neuropathic hyperalgesia. Intrathecal injection of suramin (a P-2 purinoceptor antagonist) provided minor alleviation of thermal hyperalgesia, while PPADS (a selective P-2X receptor antagonist) had no effect. Both suramin and PPADS caused abnormal behavior including aggressiveness and subsequent hyporeactivity and immobility. Put receptors in the spinal cord do not appear to play a significant role in the maintenance of thermal hyperalgesia. However, P-2X receptors may play an important role in the control of behaviour. NeuroReport 11:1669-1672 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.