A modelling study to dissect the potential role of voltage-gated ion channels in activity-dependent conduction velocity changes as identified in small fiber neuropathy patients.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Patients with small fiber neuropathy (SFN) suffer from neuropathic pain, which is still a therapeutic problem. Changed activation patterns of mechano-insensitive peripheral nerve fibers (CMi) could cause neuropathic pain. However, there is sparse knowledge about mechanisms leading to CMi dysfunction since it is difficult to dissect specific molecular mechanisms in humans. We used an in-silico model to elucidate molecular causes of CMi dysfunction as observed in single nerve fiber recordings (microneurography) of SFN patients.

Approach

We analyzed microneurography data from 97 CMi-fibers from healthy individuals and 34 of SFN patients to identify activity-dependent changes in conduction velocity. Using the NEURON environment, we adapted a biophysical realisti

SUBMITTER: Maxion A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10752960 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature