Voltage-gated Sodium Currents Research Articles

Seizure suppression through manipulating splicing of a voltage-gated sodium channel.

Seizure can result from increased voltage-gated persistent sodium current expression. Although many clinically-approved antiepileptic drugs target voltage-gated persistent sodium current, none exclusively repress this current without also adversely affecting the transient voltage-gated sodium current. Achieving a more selective block has significant potential for the treatment of epilepsy. Recent studies show that voltage-gated persistent sodium current amplitude is regulated by alternative splicing offering the possibility of a novel route for seizure control. In this study we identify 291 splicing regulators that, on knockdown, alter splicing of the Drosophila voltage-gated sodium channel to favour inclusion of exon K, rather than the mutually exclusive exon L. This change is associated with both a significant reduction in voltage-gated persistent sodium current, without change to transient voltage-gated sodium current, and to rescue of seizure in this model insect. RNA interference mediated knock-down, in two different seizure mutants, shows that 95 of these regulators are sufficient to significantly reduce seizure duration. Moreover, most suppress seizure activity in both mutants, indicative that they are part of well conserved pathways and likely, therefore, to be optimal candidates to take forward to mammalian studies. We provide proof-of-principle for such studies by showing that inhibition of a selection of regulators, using small molecule inhibitors, is similarly effective to reduce seizure. Splicing of the Drosophila sodium channel shows many similarities to its mammalian counterparts, including altering the amplitude of voltage-gated persistent sodium current. Our study provides the impetus to investigate whether manipulation of splicing of mammalian voltage-gated sodium channels may be exploitable to provide effective seizure control.

Cholesterol metabolite cholestane-3β,5α,6β-triol suppresses epileptic seizures by negative modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels

Imbalance of excitation and inhibition in neurons is implicated in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Voltage-gated sodium channels, which play a vital role in regulating neuronal excitability, are one of the major targets for developing anti-epileptic drugs. Here we provide evidence that cholestane-3β,5α,6β-triol (triol), a major metabolic oxysterol of cholesterol, is an effective state-dependent negative sodium channels modulator. Triol reduced Na+ current density in a concentration-dependent manner. 10μM triol shifted steady-state/fast/slow inactivation curves of sodium channels toward the hyperpolarizing direction. Additionally, triol reduced voltage-gated sodium currents in a voltage- and frequency-dependent manner. In a kainic acid-induced seizures mouse model, triol (25mg/kg) significantly increased the latency of seizure onset and attenuated seizure severity. Our findings provide novel insights for understanding the modulatory role of a small molecular oxysterol on voltage-gated sodium channels and suggest triol may represent a novel and promising candidate for epilepsy intervention.

Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 4-Induced Modulation of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels in Hippocampal Neurons.

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is reported to control the resting membrane potential and increase excitability in many types of cells. Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) play an important role in initiating action potentials in neurons. However, whether VGSCs can be modulated by the activation of TRPV4 in hippocampal pyramidal neurons remains unknown. In this study, we tested the effect of TRPV4 agonists (GSK1016790A and 4α-PDD) on voltage-gated sodium current (I Na) in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons and the protein levels of α/β-subunit of VGSCs in the hippocampus of mice subjected to intracerebroventricular (icv.) injection of GSK1016790A (GSK-injected mice). Herein, we report that I Na was inhibited by acute application of GSK1016790A or 4α-PDD. In the presence of TRPV4 agonists, the voltage-dependent inactivation curve shifted to the hyperpolarization, whereas the voltage-dependent activation curve remained unchanged. The TRPV4 agonist-induced inhibition of I Na was blocked by the TRPV4 antagonist or tetrodotoxin. Moreover, blocking protein kinase A (PKA) markedly attenuated the GSK1016790A-induced inhibition of I Na, whereas antagonism of protein kinase C or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase did not change GSK1016790A action. Finally, the protein levels of Nav1.1, Nav1.2, and Nav1.6 in the hippocampus increased in GSK-injected mice, whereas those of Nav1.3 and Navβ1 remained nearly unchanged. We conclude that I Na is inhibited by the acute activation of TRPV4 through PKA signaling pathway in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, but protein expression of α-subunit of VGSCs is increased by sustained TRPV4 activation, which may compensate for the acute inhibition of I Na and provide a possibility for hyper-excitability upon sustained TRPV4 activation.

Brivaracetam differentially affects voltage-gated sodium currents without impairing sustained repetitive firing in neurons.

SummaryAimsBrivaracetam (BRV) is an antiepileptic drug in Phase III clinical development. BRV binds to synaptic vesicle 2A (SV2A) protein and is also suggested to inhibit voltage‐gated sodium channels (VGSCs). To evaluate whether the effect of BRV on VGSCs represents a relevant mechanism participating in its antiepileptic properties, we explored the pharmacology of BRV on VGSCs in different cell systems and tested its efficacy at reducing the sustained repetitive firing (SRF).MethodsBrivaracetam investigations on the voltage‐gated sodium current (IN a) were performed in N1E‐155 neuroblastoma cells, cultured rat cortical neurons, and adult mouse CA1 neurons. SRF was measured in cultured cortical neurons and in CA1 neurons. All BRV (100–300 μM) experiments were performed in comparison with 100 μM carbamazepine (CBZ).ResultsBrivaracetam and CBZ reduced IN a in N1E‐115 cells (30% and 40%, respectively) and primary cortical neurons (21% and 47%, respectively) by modulating the fast‐inactivated state of VGSCs. BRV, in contrast to CBZ, did not affect IN a in CA1 neurons and SRF in cortical and CA1 neurons. CBZ consistently inhibited neuronal SRF by 75–93%.ConclusionsThe lack of effect of BRV on SRF in neurons suggests that the reported inhibition of BRV on VGSC currents does not contribute to its antiepileptic properties.

Electroacupuncture of Neiguan (PC 6) inhibits enhanced voltage-gated sodium currents in ischemic ventricular myocytes

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at bilateral Neiguan (PC 6) on voltage-gated Na+ currents (INa) and channels (Nav) in ischemic ventricular myocytes. MethodsEA serum was prepared from six male adult Sprague-Dawley rats that had received EA at bilateral Neiguan (PC 6). Eighteen ventricular myocytes were prepared from six SD rats using an enzy-molysis approach. Myocardial ischemia was mimicked by perfusion of ischemic solution. Whole-cell patch-clamping was used to record three currents evoked from isolated cells. The first current was the control, and recorded in absence of ischemic solution current. The second was the ischemic current, and recorded after perfusion of ischemic solution for 5 min, while the EA current was last, and recorded after perfusion of EA serum for 5 min. Nav kinetic curves were fitted using related formulas. ResultsCompared with those in controls, in the presence of ischemic solution, peak amplitudes of INa significantly increased from – 40 mV to +30 mV, and half-maximal inactivation potentials of Nav increased significantly, while half-maximal activation potentials, slope factors and the recovery time from inactivation to activation of Nav were unchanged. Compared with those in the ischemic solution, in the presence of EA serum, peak ischemic current amplitudes significantly reduced from −40 mV to +40 mV, and half-maximal inactivation potentials were restored, while half-maximal activation potentials, slope factors and the recovery time from inactivation to activation of Nav were unchanged. ConclusionEA at bilateral Neiguan (PC 6) can reduce enhanced INa via restoration of delayed Nav inactivation in ischemic ventricular myocytes.

Abstract 15165: A Green Tea Catechin, (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate, Suppresses Early After-depolarization in Long-term Cultured Cardiomyocytes

Introduction: Our previous study verified (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), a green tea polyphenol, can act as a sodium channel agonist. However, the treating effects of ECG on the arrhythmic disorders, such as early after-depolarization (EAD) remain uncertain. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that ECG alters the rate of spontaneous action potential (sAP) and suppresses EAD through its action on voltage-gated sodium current ( I Na ). Methods: By using patch-clamp technique, we characterized the alterations of sAP in cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs). We further examined the effects of ECG on the firing rate and morphology of sAP. Results: The sAP alterations were investigated in two stages. The early stage, 3-4 days post cell isolation, involved a gradual suppression of amplitude (~36.9%) and frequency (~72%) in the early culture periods, followed by about two folds APD 90 prolongation in the late culture stage, > 7 days post cell isolation. These changes of sAP were strongly correlated with dysfunction of I Na (r 2 =0.99) but not with I K or I to . With an increment in the incubating period, the I Na properties were also observed in the decrease of I Na density (~44%), negative shift of steady-state inactivation curve ( V h , -73.4±4.2 vs. 83.1±4.7 mV, p<.05), and prolongation of the recovery time constant ( τ , 65.8±4.1 vs. 82.5±4.6 ms, p<.05). The dysfunction of I Na appeared to result in an increased incidence of the bradycardia-dependent EAD. Treatment with ECG suppressed EAD via accelerating the I Na recovery time to normal, resulting in fast firing rate of the sAP as in early culture period. Conclusions: Long-term culture of myocytes leads to retardation of automaticity, APD prolongation, EAD occurrence, and concomitant I Na suppression. ECG restores I Na and cellular automaticity in long-term cultured NRVMs.

FUNCTIONAL HUMAN ES-DERIVED OPCS AT LOW OXYGEN

We have established an efficient system to specify NG2/PDGF-Rα/OLIG2+ oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) at low, physiological (3%) oxygen levels. This was achieved via both forebrain and spinal cord origins, with up to 98% of cells expressing NG2. Developmental insights reveal a critical role for fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) in OLIG2 induction via ventral forebrain pathways. The OPCs mature in vitro to express O4 (46%) and subsequently become galactocerebroside (GALC), O1, and myelin basic protein-positive (MBP+) multibranching oligodendrocytes. These were cultured alongside hESC-derived neurons. The electrophysiological properties of human OPCs are similar to those of rat OPCs, with large voltage-gated sodium currents and the ability to fire action potentials. Exposure to a selective retinoid X receptor agonist increased the proportion of O4+ oligodendrocytes that express MBP from 5% to 30%. Thus, we have established a developmentally engineered system to investigate the biological properties of human OPCs and test the effects of putative remyelinating agents prior to clinical application.

SKF-96365 strongly inhibits voltage-gated sodium current in rat ventricular myocytes.

SKF-96365 (1-(beta-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl) propoxy]-4-methoxyphenethyl)-1H-imidazole hydrochloride) is a general TRPC channel antagonist commonly used to characterize the potential functions of TRPC channels in cardiovascular system. Recent reports showed that SKF-96365 induced a reduction in cardiac conduction. The present study investigates whether the reduced cardiac conduction caused by SKF-96365 is related to the blockade of voltage-gated sodium current (I Na) in rat ventricular myocytes using the whole-cell patch voltage-clamp technique. It was found that SKF-96365 inhibited I Na in rat ventricular myocytes in a concentration-dependent manner. The compound (1 μM) negatively shifted the potential of I Na availability by 9.5 mV, increased the closed-state inactivation of I Na, and slowed the recovery of I Na from inactivation. The inhibition of cardiac I Na by SKF-96365 was use-dependent and frequency-dependent, and the IC₅₀ was decreased from 1.36 μM at 0.5 Hz to 1.03, 0.81, 0.61, 0.56 μM at 1, 2, 5, 10 Hz, respectively. However, the selective TRPC3 antagonist Pyr3 decreased cardiac I Na by 8.5% at 10 μM with a weak use and frequency dependence. These results demonstrate that the TRPC channel antagonist SKF-96365 strongly blocks cardiac I Na in use-dependent and frequency-dependent manners. Caution should be taken for interpreting the alteration of cardiac electrical activity when SKF-96365 is used in native cells as a TRPC antagonist.

Functional and molecular defects of hiPSC-derived neurons from patients with ATM deficiency.

Loss of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase, a key factor of the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway, causes the cancer predisposing and neurodegenerative syndrome ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T). To investigate the mechanisms of neurodegeneration, we have reprogrammed fibroblasts from ATM-null A-T patients and normal controls to pluripotency (human-induced pluripotent stem cells), and derived from these neural precursor cells able to terminally differentiate into post-mitotic neurons positive to >90% for β-tubulin III+/microtubule-associated protein 2+. We show that A-T neurons display similar voltage-gated potassium and sodium currents and discharges of action potentials as control neurons, but defective expression of the maturation and synaptic markers SCG10, SYP and PSD95 (postsynaptic density protein 95). A-T neurons exhibited defective repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and repressed phosphorylation of ATM substrates (e.g., γH2AX, Smc1-S966, Kap1-S824, Chk2-T68, p53-S15), but normal repair of single-strand breaks, and normal short- and long-patch base excision repair activities. Moreover, A-T neurons were resistant to apoptosis induced by the genotoxic agents camptothecin and trabectedin, but as sensitive as controls to the oxidative agents. Most notably, A-T neurons exhibited abnormal accumulation of topoisomerase 1-DNA covalent complexes (Top1-ccs). These findings reveal that ATM deficiency impairs neuronal maturation, suppresses the response and repair of DNA DSBs, and enhances Top1-cc accumulation. Top1-cc could be a risk factor for neurodegeneration as they may interfere with transcription elongation and promote transcriptional decline.

Effects of moderate static magnetic fields on the voltage-gated sodium and calcium channel currents in trigeminal ganglion neurons

Aim: To study the effects of static magnetic fields (SMF) on the electrophysiological properties of voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels on trigeminal ganglion (TRG) neurons. Methods: Acutely dissociated TRG neurons of neonatal SD rats were exposed to 125-mT and 12.5-mT SMF in exposure devices and whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were carried out to observe the changes of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC) and calcium channels (VGCC) currents, while laser scanning confocal microscopy was used to detect intracellular free Ca2+ concentration in TRG neurons, respectively. Results: (1) No obvious change of current–voltage (I–V) relationship and the peak current densities of VGSC and VGCC currents were found when TRG neurons were exposed to 125-mT and 12.5-mT SMF. However, the activation threshold, inactivation threshold and velocity of the channel currents above were significantly altered by 125-mT and 12.5-mT SMF. (2) The fluctuation of intracellular free Ca2+ concentration within TRG neurons were slowed by 125-mT and 12.5-mT SMF. When SMF was removed, the Ca2+ concentration level showed partial recovery in the TRG neurons previously exposed by 125-mT SMF, while there was a full recovery found in 12.5-mT-SMF-exposed neurons. Conclusions: Moderate-intensity SMF could affect the electrophysiological characteristics of VGCS and VGCC by altering their activation and inactivation threshold and velocity. The fluctuations of intracellular free Ca2+ caused by SMF exposure were not permanent in TRG neurons.

Effect of ytterbium on sodium current and its kinetics in rat hippocampal neurons

This study addressed the effects of Yb3+ on voltage-gated sodium currents in rat hippocampal neurons using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Voltage-clamp recordings in single neurons were filtered and stored in a computer. Yb3+ increased the amplitude of sodium currents in a concentration-dependent and voltage-dependent manner. The 50 % enhancement concentration of Yb3+ on sodium currents was about 8.97 μmol/L, which was different from the inhibitory effects of Yb3+ on potassium current. The analysis on the activation and inactivation kinetics of Na+ current showed that 100 μmol/L Yb3+ did not change the process of activation and inactivation. In addition, the times reaching the peak of current (t) and inactivated time constant (τ) were voltage dependent. 100 μmol/L Yb3+ significantly prolonged the time to peak at −70 and −80 mV. The effect disappeared at the positive direction of −70 mV. Furthermore, Yb3+ decreased τ values to more positive values than −80 mV. In total, Yb3+ did not change the process of activation, but impelled inactivated process. Yb3+ mainly increased the Na+ current through changing its conductance. It might be one of the mechanisms that Yb3+ affected the hippocampal neurons.

High Yields of Oligodendrocyte Lineage Cells from Human Embryonic Stem Cells at Physiological Oxygen Tensions for Evaluation of Translational Biology

SummaryWe have established and efficient system to specify NG2/PDGF-Rα/OLIG2+ oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) at low, physiological (3%) oxygen levels. This was achieved via both forebrain and spinal cord origins, with up to 98% of cells expressing NG2. Developmental insights reveal a critical role for fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) in OLIG2 induction via ventral forebrain pathways. The OPCs mature in vitro to express O4 (46%) and subsequently become galactocerebroside (GALC), O1, and myelin basic protein-positive (MBP+) multibranching oligodendrocytes. These were cultured alongside hESC-derived neurons. The electrophysiological properties of human OPCs are similar to those of rat OPCs, with large voltage-gated sodium currents and the ability to fire action potentials. Exposure to a selective retinoid X receptor agonist increased the proportion of O4+ oligodendrocytes that express MBP from 5% to 30%. Thus, we have established a developmentally engineered system to investigate the biological properties of human OPCs and test the effects of putative remyelinating agents prior to clinical application.

Acetylcholine enhances excitability by lowering the threshold of spike generation in olfactory receptor cells

Olfactory perception is influenced by behavioral states, presumably via efferent regulation. Using the whole cell version of patch-clamp recording technique, we discovered that acetylcholine, which is released from efferent fibers in the olfactory mucosa, can directly affect the signal encoding in newt olfactory receptor cells (ORCs). Under current-clamp conditions, application of carbachol, an acetylcholine receptor agonist, increased the spike frequency of ORCs and lowered their spike threshold. When a 3-pA current to induce near-threshold depolarization was injected into ORCs, 0.0 spikes/s were generated in control solution and 0.5 spikes/s in the presence of carbachol. By strong stimuli of injection of a 13-pA current into ORCs, 9.1 and 11.0 spikes/s were generated in control and carbachol solutions, respectively. A similar result was observed by bath application of 50 μM acetylcholine. Under voltage-clamp conditions, carbachol increased the peak amplitude of a voltage-gated sodium current by 32% and T-type calcium current by 39%. Atropine, the specific muscarinic receptor antagonist, blocked the enhancement by carbachol of the voltage-gated sodium current and T-type calcium current, suggesting that carbachol increases those currents via the muscarinic receptor rather than via the nicotinic receptor. In contrast, carbachol did not significantly change the amplitude of the L-type calcium current or the delayed rectifier potassium current in the ORCs. Because T-type calcium current is known to lower the threshold in ORCs, we suggest that acetylcholine enhance excitability by lowering the threshold of spike generation in ORCs via the muscarinic receptor.

A ‘toothache tree’ alkylamide inhibits Aδ mechanonociceptors to alleviate mechanical pain

In traditional medicine, the 'toothache tree' and other plants of the Zanthoxylum genus have been used to treat inflammatory pain conditions, such as toothache and rheumatoid arthritis. Here we examined the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the analgesic properties of hydroxy-α-sanshool, the active alkylamide produced by Zanthoxylum plants. Consistent with its analgesic effects in humans, sanshool treatment in mice caused a selective attenuation of mechanical sensitivity under naïve and inflammatory conditions, with no effect on thermal sensitivity. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which sanshool attenuates mechanical pain, we performed single fibre recordings, calcium imaging and whole-cell electrophysiology of cultured sensory neurons. We found that: (1) sanshool potently inhibits Aδ mechanonociceptors that mediate both sharp acute pain and inflammatory pain; (2) sanshool inhibits action potential firing by blocking voltage-gated sodium currents in a subset of somatosensory neurons, which express a unique combination of voltage-gated sodium channels; and (3) heterologously expressed Nav1.7 is most strongly inhibited by sanshool as compared to other sodium channels expressed in sensory neurons. These results suggest that sanshool targets voltage-gated sodium channels on Aδ mechanosensory nociceptors to dampen excitability and thus induce 'fast pain' analgesia.

Effects of estradiol on voltage-gated sodium channels in mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons

Estrogen has multiple actions in the brain to modulate homeostasis, synaptic plasticity, neuroprotection and pain sensitivity. Previous studies have demonstrated that estradiol may affect the ion channel function. The role of voltage-gated sodium channels in the transmission of nociceptive and neuropathic pain messages is well-established. Herein, we report the effects of estradiol (E2) on TTX-sensitive (TTX-S) and TTX-resistant (TTX-R) Na+ currents, using a conventional whole-cell patch clamp technique from acutely isolated mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons. We found that the extracellularly 17β-E2 inhibited TTX-S Na+ currents and TTX-R Na+ currents; the effects were rapid, reversible and in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, 17β-E2 did not significantly affect the activation curve for Na+ channel, and shifted the steady-state inactivation curve for TTX-S and TTX-R Na+ channels in the hyperpolarizing direction. We also found that the membrane impermeable E2-BSA was as efficacious as 17β-E2, whereas 17α-E2 had no effect. Blockers of PKC (GÖ-6983) and PKA (H-89) abrogated these acute effects of 17β-E2. In conclusion, E2 inhibited voltage-gated Na+ channels in mouse DRG neurons through a membrane ER-activated PKC–PKA signaling pathway. Through the modulation of voltage-gated sodium currents, estradiol could affect cell excitability, firing properties.

Dual Effects of Isoflurane on Proliferation, Differentiation, and Survival in Human Neuroprogenitor Cells

Previous studies have demonstrated that isoflurane can provide both neuroprotection and neurotoxicity in various tissue culture models and in rodent developing brains. The cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating these dual effects are not clear, but the exposure level and duration of isoflurane appear to be determinant factors. Using the ReNcell CX (Millipore, Billerica, MA) human neural progenitor cell line, the authors investigated the impact of prolonged exposure to varying isoflurane concentrations on cell survival and neurogenesis. In addition, the authors assessed the impact of short isoflurane preconditioning on elevation of cytosolic Ca concentration and cytotoxic effects mediated by prolonged isoflurane exposures and the contribution of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate or ryanodine receptor activation to these processes. Short exposures to low isoflurane concentrations promote proliferation and differentiation of ReNcell CX cells, with no cell damage. However, prolonged exposures to high isoflurane concentrations induced significant ReNcell CX cell damage and inhibited cell proliferation. These prolonged exposures suppressed neuronal cell fate and promoted glial cell fate. Preconditioning of ReNcell CX cultures with short exposures to low concentrations of isoflurane ameliorated the effects of prolonged exposures to isoflurane. Pretreatment of ReNcell cultures with inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate or ryanodine receptor antagonists mostly prevented isoflurane-mediated effects on survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Finally, isoflurane-preconditioned cultures showed significantly less isoflurane-evoked changes in calcium concentration. The commonly used general anesthetic isoflurane exerts dual effects on neuronal stem cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation, which may be attributed to differential regulation of calcium release through activation of endoplasmic reticulum localized inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate and/or ryanodine receptors.

The effect of acetaminophen ingestion on cortico-spinal excitability

Acetaminophen (ACT) facilitates the inhibition of voltage-gated calcium and sodium currents, which may effect cortico-spinal excitability. Twelve subjects ingested acetaminophen or a placebo and underwent transcranial magnetic stimulation to assess the motor evoked potential (MEP), and cortical silent period (CSP). ACT significantly increased MEP response (P > 0.05) but had no effect on CSP (P > 0.05). This indicates that ACT increases MEP and should be controlled for in studies where these measures are of interest.

Gabapentin reduces allodynia and hyperalgesia in painful diabetic neuropathy rats by decreasing expression level of Nav1.7 and p-ERK1/2 in DRG neurons

It has been confirmed that gabapentin (GBP) induced a inhibition of the voltage-gated persistent sodium current in chronically compressed dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. The persistent sodium current is found in excitable DRG neurons of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) rats where it is mediated by tetrodotoxin (TTX) sensitive sodium channels. Recently, many groups have used models of neurological disorder to explore the mechanism of GBP in neuropathic pain. There is no evidence, however, to explain the particular mechanism of GBP, including its analgesic actions in PDN rats. These issues were addressed in the present study. Using behavioral testing, we found that diabetes leads to mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia and these effects were reversed by a continuous GBP injection. To investigate the mechanism of GBP’s reduction in neural excitability, we systematically analyzed the expression of Nav1.7 and p-ERK1/2 and tested the effect of GBP on these proteins. Diabetes significantly increased the excitability of DRG neurons and the expression of Nav1.7 and p-ERK1/2, and GBP significantly inhibited these changes. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of GBP on the expression of Nav1.7 and p-ERK1/2 might be one of the analgesic mechanisms of action of GBP. This may partially explain the antinociceptive action of GBP in the PDN rats.

Ethanolic Extract of <em>Aconiti Brachypodi</em> Radix Attenuates Nociceptive Pain Probably Via Inhibition of Voltage-Dependent Na<sup>+</sup> Channel

Aconiti Brachypodi Radix, belonging to the genus of Aconitum (Family Ranunculaceae), are used clinically as anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive in traditional medicine of China. However, its mechanism and influence on nociceptive threshold are unknown and need further investigation. The analgesic effects of ethanolic extract of Aconiti Brachypodi Radix (EABR) were thus studied in vivo and in vitro. Three pain models in mice were used to assess the effect of EABR on nociceptive threshold. In vitro study was conducted to clarify the modulation of the extract on the tetrodotoxin-sensitive (TTX-S) sodium currents in rat's dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons using whole-cell patch clamp technique. The results showed that EABR (5-20 mg/kg, i.g.) could produce dose-dependent analgesic effect on hot-plate tests as well as writhing response induced by acetic acid. In addition, administration of 2.5-10 mg/kg EABR (i.g.) caused significant decrease in pain responses in the first and second phases of formalin test without altering the PGE₂ production in the hind paw of the mice. Moreover, EABR (10 µg/ml -1 mg/ml) could suppress TTX-S voltage-gated sodium currents in a dose-dependent way, indicating the underlying electrophysiological mechanism of the analgesic effect of the folk plant medicine. Collectively, our results indicated that EABR has analgesic property in three pain models and useful influence on TTX-S sodium currents in DRG neurons, suggesting that the interference with pain messages caused by the modulation of EABR on TTX-S sodium currents in DRG neurones may explain some of its analgesic effect.

Carvacrol Decreases Neuronal Excitability by Inhibition of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels

The monoterpenoid carvacrol (1) is present in many essential oils of plants and has attracted attention because of its beneficial biological activities, especially analgesic activity. However, the mechanism of action of 1 remains unknown. The present study aimed to explore the mechanisms whereby 1 produces its effects on the peripheral nervous system. Carvacrol reversibly blocked the excitability of the rat sciatic nerve in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC(50) value of 0.50 ± 0.04 mM. At 0.6 mM, 1 increased the rheobase from 3.30 ± 0.06 V to 4.16 ± 0.14 V and the chronaxy from 59.6 ± 1.22 μs to 75.0 ± 1.82 μs. Also, 1 blocked the generation of action potentials (IC(50) 0.36 ± 0.14 mM) of the intact dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons without altering the resting potential and input resistance. Carvacrol reduced the voltage-gated sodium current of dissociated DRG neurons (IC(50) 0.37 ± 0.05 mM). In this study it has been demonstrated that 1 blocks neuronal excitability by a direct inhibition of the voltage-gated sodium current, which suggests that this compound acts as a local anesthetic. The present findings add valuable information to help understand the mechanisms implicated in the analgesic activity of carvacrol.