Neurobiological basis for selectivity of Na+ channel blockers in neuropathic pain

Pain ForumPublished 1 June 1995

Marshall Devor

Citations12

TL;DR

The Focus article by Tanelian and Victory out lined the basic scientific evidence that Na' channel-blocking agents selectively suppress ectopic neural firing in injured nerves, and the clinical evidence that this class of drugs is effective in controlling a broad range of neuropathic pain states.

Abstract

Field potential studies in vivo have shown that many subcortical structures, such as the inferior olivary nucleus, the thalamic nuclei and the lateral habenular nucleus, generate behaviorally relevant rhythms. In each region, intracellular analysis in brain slices has revealed that activation of a transient, low-threshold calcium current plays a pivotal role in rhythmogenesis. The membrane potential of each individual neuron may oscillate rhythmically as a result of interplay between this current and other inward and outward voltage and calcium-dependent currents. Synchronization of this oscillatory single-cell activity, through mutual interaction and/or appropriately timed afferent drive, results in generation of stereotyped population rhythms.

Keywords

MedicineNeuroscienceBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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