Research Progress on Opioid Receptors and Ion Channels in Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons
Abstract
Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons play a crucial role in the perception and modulation of pain signals, making them a critical focus in pain mechanism research. Opioid receptors, as classical analgesic targets, inhibit pain signals by regulating ion channels such as calcium channels, while ion channels are directly involved in the generation and transmission of pain signals. In recent years, the synergistic interaction between opioid receptors and ion channels has become a research hotspot, particularly under pathological pain conditions, where their complex interplay provides key insights into analgesic drug development. This paper systematically reviews the distribution and functional mechanisms of opioid receptors and ion channels in DRG neurons, explores their interaction in pain modulation, and discusses functional changes under inflammatory and neuropathic pain conditions. Additionally, it examines potential targeted therapeutic strategies based on their synergy and outlines their clinical application prospects.
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