Spinal P2X7 receptor mediates microglia activation-induced neuropathic pain in the sciatic nerve injury rat model

► BBG attenuated both mechanical allodynia and thermal hypersensitivity induced by CCI. ► P2X7R expression was increased in dorsal horn of spinal cord of CCI rats. ► Spinal P2X7R expression was highly restricted to microglia. ► Microglia activation was inhibited by blocking P2X7 receptor in CCI rats.