ABSTRACT

P2X receptors are a family of ATP-gated cation channels with distinct functional properties and distributions in the body. In humans, P2X receptors comprise seven gene products that can form at least 14 known homo-and heterotrimeric receptors. In this chapter we focus on three P2X subunits (P2X3, P2X4, and P2X7) that each form homomeric receptors, and their roles in acute and chronic pain.