From astrocytes to satellite glial cells and back: A 25 year-long journey through the purinergic modulation of glial functions in pain and more

Fundamental progresses have been made in pain research with a comprehensive understanding of the neuronal pathways which convey painful sensations from periphery and viscera to central nervous system descending modulating pathways. Nevertheless, many patients still suffer various conditions, are often associated other primary pathologies, get no or poor relief available painkillers. Thus, interest researchers has concentrated on new promising cellular targets biochemical This is case glia cells, both peripheral system, purinergic receptors. Starting intuitions hypotheses raised by Prof. Geoffrey Burnstock, data accumulated clearly highlight fundamental role exerted several nucleotide nucleoside receptors modulation glial cell reaction triggers their cross-talk sensory neurons significantly contributes transition acute chronic pain. The therefore become an appealing pharmacological target research, also based quite unexpected discovery that purines involved ancient analgesic techniques such as acupuncture. A more in-depth complex intricated purine-orchestrated scenario conditions will hopefully lead identification clinical development effective analgesics.