Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Nav1.3 , Nav1.7 , Nav1.8 , Nav1.9

Title: [Role of voltage-sodium channels in neuropathic pain].

Authors: Wen-Ting Shou, Shi-hong Zhang, Zhong Chen

Journal, date & volume: Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban, 2011 Mar , 40, 217-21

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21488221

Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels are critical for the generation and conduction of nerve impulses. Recent studies show that in primary sensory neurons, the expression and dynamic regulation of several sodium channel subtypes play important roles in neuropathic pain. A number of SCN9A (encoding Nav1.7) gene point mutations are related with human genetic pain disorders. Transgenic and specific knockout techniques have revealed that Nav1.3, Nav1.8, Nav1.9 are important for the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain condition. Specific blockers of these sodium channels have been demonstrated to be effective in alleviating allodynia and hyperalgesia. Here we reviewed the roles of sodium channels in neuropathic pain, which may be applicable for the development of new drugs with enhanced efficacy for neuropathic pain treatment.