Characteristics of HCN channels and their participation in neuropathic pain

Neurochem Res. 2008 Oct;33(10):1979-89. doi: 10.1007/s11064-008-9717-6. Epub 2008 May 7.

Abstract

Neuropathic pain is induced by the injury to nervous systems and characterized by hyperalgesia, allodynia and spontaneous pain. The underlying mechanisms include peripheral and central sensitization resulted from neuronal hyperexcitability. A number of ion channels are considered to contribute to the neuronal hyperexcitability. Here, we particularly concentrate on an interesting ion channel, hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide gated (HCN) channels. We overview its biophysical properties, physiological functions, followed by focusing on the current progress in the study of its role in the development of neuropathic pain. We attempt to provide a comprehensive review of the potential valuable target, HCN channels, in the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axons / physiology
  • Benzazepines / pharmacology
  • Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Cation Channels / drug effects
  • Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Cation Channels / physiology*
  • Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels
  • Ivabradine
  • Neural Conduction / physiology
  • Nociceptors / drug effects
  • Nociceptors / physiology
  • Pain / physiopathology*
  • Potassium Channels / drug effects
  • Potassium Channels / physiology*
  • Pyrimidines / pharmacology
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology

Substances

  • Benzazepines
  • Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Cation Channels
  • Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels
  • Potassium Channels
  • Pyrimidines
  • ICI D2788
  • Ivabradine