Translocator Protein 18 kDa (TSPO) as a Novel Therapeutic Target for Chronic Pain

Figure 1

Mechanisms by which TSPO and its ligands inhibit chronic pain. (a, b) TSPO and its ligands inhibit microglial and astrocyte activation, thereby inhibiting activation-mediated central sensitization and chronic pain. (c) TSPO and its ligands inhibit chronic pain by mediating neurosteroid synthesis. (d) TSPO and its ligands promote cholesterol transport from the cytoplasm to the mitochondrial inner membrane, mediating progesterone synthesis and thus promoting neurosteroid synthesis. TSPO: translocator protein; IMM: inner mitochondrial membrane; OMM: outer mitochondrial membrane; VDAC: voltage-dependent anion channel; ANT: adenine nucleotide transporter.