Olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation inhibits P2X4 receptor overexpression in spinal cord injury rats with neuropathic pain

Cell-based therapy is a promising strategy to alleviate neuropathic pain caused by spinal cord injury (SCI). We transplanted olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) into SCI rats with neuropathic pain and quantitatively detected the sensory nerve function. The expression levels of P2X4 receptor (P2X4R), 200 kD neurofilament heavy polypeptide (NF200), and glial fiber acidic protein (GFAP) were measured by immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses. Results showed that NF200 expression significantly increased, GFAP expression decreased, and sensory nerve function improved. In addition, OEC transplantation inhibited the overexpression of P2X4R, which plays an important role in neuropathic pain. Thus, OEC is a candidate target for the treatment of sensory functional loss and P2X4R-mediated neuropathic pain caused by SCI.