Central sensitization of nociceptive neurons in rat medullary dorsal horn involves purinergic P2X7 receptors

▶First documentation that P2X7 receptors on microglia may be involved in inflammatory dental pain. ▶P2X7 agonists induce central sensitization in dorsal horn nociceptive neurons. ▶P2X7 antagonists attenuate central sensitization induced by inflammation of dental pulp. ▶Microglial blocker minocycline also attenuates the central sensitization. ▶Data consistent with findings that P2X7 receptors are primarily expressed in microglia.