Selective inhibition of CaV3.2 channels reverses hyperexcitability of peripheral nociceptors and alleviates postsurgical pain.

ABSTRACT: Pain-sensing sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) can become sensitized or hyperexcitable in response to surgically induced peripheral tissue injury. We investigated the potential role and molecular mechanisms of nociceptive ion channel dysregulation in acute pain conditions such as those resulting from skin and soft tissue incision. We used selective pharmacology, electrophysiology, and mouse genetics to link increased current densities arising from the CaV3.2 isoform of T-type calcium channels (T-channels) to nociceptive sensitization using a clinically relevant rodent model of skin and deep tissue incision. Furthermore, knockdown of the CaV3.2-targeting deubiquitinating enzyme USP5 or disruption of USP5 binding to CaV3.2 channels in peripheral nociceptors resulted in a robu

SUBMITTER: Joksimovic SL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6193449 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature