N A new central post-stroke pain rat model: autologous blood injected thalamic hemorrhage involved increased expression of P2X4 receptor.

•Behavioral analysis demonstrated that the CPSP animals displayed a significant decrease in mechanical allodynia threshold.•A significant increase in P2 × 4 receptors expression in microglia in thalamic peri-lesion tissues post-hemorrhage.•The mechanical allodynia in rats with CPSP were reversed by blocking P2 × 4 receptors.•A significant alleviation of mechanical allodynia was achieved following the administration of adrenergic antidepressants and antiepileptics.•A significant decrease in P2 × 4 receptor expression after treatment with adrenergic antidepressants and antiepileptics.