Gap junction channels facilitate the intercellular exchange of ions and small molecules.
While this process is critical to all multicellular organisms, the proteins that form gap junction …

In the central nervous system (CNS), astrocytes form networks interconnected by gap
junctions made from connexins of the subtypes Cx30 and Cx43. When unopposed by an …

P2X7 receptors (Rs) constitute a subclass of ATP-sensitive ionotropic receptors (P2X1-
P2X7). P2X7Rs have many distinguishing features, mostly based on their long intracellular …

Enhanced expression and function of gap junctions and pannexin (Panx) channels have
been associated with both peripheral and central mechanisms of pain sensitization. At the …

Hemichannels (HCs) and gap junction channels (GJCs) formed by protein subunits called
connexins (Cxs) are major pathways for intercellular communication. While HCs connect the …

Background Clinical observations or animal studies implicate enteric glial cells in motility
disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal (GI) …

The purinergic system plays an important role in pain transmission. Recent studies have
suggested that activation of P2-purinergic receptors (P2Rs) may be involved in neuron …

Postganglionic sympathetic neurons and satellite glial cells are the two major cell types of
the peripheral sympathetic ganglia. Sympathetic neurons project to and provide neural …

Chronic cough is a difficult to treat symptom of many respiratory and some non-respiratory
diseases, indicating that varied pathologies can underpin the development of chronic cough …

Gastrointestinal (GI) pain is a common clinical problem, for which effective therapy is quite
limited. Sensations from the GI tract, including pain, are mediated largely by neurons in the …