Glucocorticoid regulation of ATP release from spinal astrocytes underlies diurnal exacerbation of neuropathic mechanical allodynia

Abstract

Neuropathic pain hypersensitivity is known to undergo diurnal variations, although the underlying mechanisms are not clear. Using a sciatic nerve-injury mouse model, the authors find such diurnal changes are mediated by glucocorticoid induced enhancement of ATP release from astrocytes via pannexin-1 hemichannels.