Research progress in the role of P2X receptors in oral maxillofacial pain

Oral maxillofacial pain is one of the most common symptoms that greatly influences patients′ quality of life. Infectious diseases, nerve injuries and tumors in the oromaxillofacial region can cause facial pain. P2X receptors are located in the central and peripheral nervous system. P2X receptors are non-selective cation channels that are activated by extracellular ATP and play an important role in nociceptive processing. In recent years, research into the relationship between P2X receptors and pain has become popular. Research shows that P2X receptors are expressed in the trigeminal ganglia (TG) of the primary sensory ganglion, and the effects of P2X receptors on facial pain and their related conduction mechanisms are worthy of additional research. To provide new ideas for orofacial pain prevention and treatment, this article reviews the latest progress in research regarding the role of P2X receptors in inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, and cancer pain, among others, of the oromaxillofacial region.