Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Cav3.1

Title: Attenuated neuropathic pain in Cav3.1 null mice.

Authors: Heung Sik Na, Soonwook Choi, Junesun Kim, Joonoh Park, Hee-Sup Shin

Journal, date & volume: Mol. Cells, 2008 Apr 30 , 25, 242-6

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18414012

Abstract
To assess the role of alpha(1G) T-type Ca2+ channels in neuropathic pain after L5 spinal nerve ligation, we examined behavioral pain susceptibility in mice lacking CaV3.1 (alpha1G(-/-)), the gene encoding the pore-forming units of these channels. Reduced spontaneous pain responses and an increased threshold for paw withdrawal in response to mechanical stimulation were observed in these mice. The alpha1G(-/-) mice also showed attenuated thermal hyperalgesia in response to both low-(IR30) and high-intensity (IR60) infrared stimulation. Our results reveal the importance of alpha(1G) T-type Ca2+ channels in the development of neuropathic pain, and suggest that selective modulation of alpha1G subtype channels may provide a novel approach to the treatment of allodynia and hyperalgesia.