Annexin 1: A glucocorticoid-inducible protein that modulates inflammatory pain

Annexin 1, a glucocorticoid (GC)-inducible protein, can play an important role via formyl peptide receptor like 1 (FPR2/ALX, also known as FPRL1) in inflammatory pain modulation. The aim of this review is to analyze different lines of evidence for the role of ANXA1 with different mechanisms on inflammatory pain and describe the profile of ANXA1 as a potential analgesic. A Medline (PUBMED) search using the terms Annexin 1 distribution OR expression, FPR2/ALX distribution OR expression, Annexin 1 AND pain, Annexin 1 AND FPR2/ALX AND pain' was performed. Articles with a publication date up to Nov. 1st, 2012 were included. The antinociception of ANXA1 has been evaluated in diverse pain models. It has been suggested that ANXA1 may exerts its action via: (1) inhibiting vital cytokines involved in pain transmission, (2) inhibiting neutrophil accumulation through preventing transendothelial migration via an interaction with formyl peptide receptors, (3) facilitating tonic opioid release from neutrophil in inflammatory site, (4) interrupting the peripheral nociceptive transmission by suppressing neuronal excitability. In general, ANXA1 is a potential mediator for anti-nociception and the role with its receptor constitute attractive targets for developing anesthesia and analgesic drugs, and their interaction may prove to be a useful strategy to treat inflammatory pain.