Abstract
The persistent Na+ current (Nap) in peripheral axons plays an important functional role in controlling the axonal excitability. Abnormal Nap is believed to contribute to neurodegeneration and neuropathic pain, and thus it is an attractive therapeutic target. To assess the chronic behavior of selective Nap blockade, axonal excitability testing was performed in vivo in normal male mice exposed to ranolazine by recording the tail sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs). Seven days after administering ranolazine i.p. (50mg/kg) daily for 1 week, nerve excitability testing showed decreased strength-duration time constant in the ranolazine group in comparison to the control (P<0.03). This change is explained by the long-term effects of ranolazine on Nap. Importantly, ranolazine showed no effect on other ion channels that influence axonal excitability. Further study is needed to assess the chronic Nap blockade as a useful therapy in peripheral nerve diseases associated with abnormal nerve excitability.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
