Sex-Dependent Mechanisms of Chronic Pain: A Focus on Microglia and P2X4R

For over two decades, purinergic signaling in microglia has persisted in the spotlight as a major pathomechanism of chronic pain. Of the many purinoreceptors, the P2X4R of the ionotropic family, has a well-described causal role underlying chronic neuropathic pain. This review will briefly examine microglial P2X4R signaling in the spinal cord as it relates to chronic pain through a historical lens, followed by a more in-depth examination of recent work, which has revealed major sex differences. We also discuss the generalizability of sex differences in microglial and P2X4R signaling in other pain conditions as well as in nonspinal regions. Finally, we speculate on remaining gaps in the literature as well as what can be done to address them with the ultimate goal of using our collective knowledge to treat chronic pain effectively and in both sexes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Effective treatments are lacking for chronic pain sufferers, and this may be explained by the vast sex differences underlying chronic pain mechanisms. In this minireview, we focus on the roles of microglia and P2X4R in chronic pain, with specific attention to the circumstances under which these pathomechanisms differ between males and females. By delineating the ways in which pain occurs differently between the sexes, we can start developing successful therapies for all.