Abstract
In the present study we have used in situ hybridization to examine the changes in mRNA expression of the voltage gated sodium channel subunits β1 and β3, which occur in response to streptozocin induced diabetic neuropathy. Under control conditions β1 mRNA was detected throughout the spinal cord and in large dorsal root ganglion (DRG) Aβ fibres whilst β3 mRNA was expressed exclusively in the layers I/II and X of the spinal cord and in small DRG c-fibres. Following streptozocin treatment, the expression of β1 mRNA remained unchanged in both the spinal cord and DRG whilst β3 message was significantly increased in both the spinal cord and in medium diameter Aδ type DRG neurones. In conclusion, the present study illustrates that the development of the neuropathic pain state is associated with distinct changes in the pattern of β3 subunit expression and that these changes appear to be specific to the neuropathic pain state induced.
Published Version
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