A potential role for T-type calcium channels in homocysteinemia-induced peripheral neuropathy

Pain. 2019 Dec;160(12):2798-2810. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001669.

Abstract

Homocysteinemia is a metabolic condition characterized by abnormally high level of homocysteine in the blood and is considered to be a risk factor for peripheral neuropathy. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying toxic effects of homocysteine on the processing of peripheral nociception have not yet been investigated comprehensively. Here, using a rodent model of experimental homocysteinemia, we report the causal association between homocysteine and the development of mechanical allodynia. Homocysteinemia-induced mechanical allodynia was reversed on pharmacological inhibition of T-type calcium channels. In addition, our in vitro studies indicate that homocysteine enhances recombinant T-type calcium currents by promoting the recycling of Cav3.2 channels back to the plasma membrane through a protein kinase C-dependent signaling pathway that requires the direct phosphorylation of Cav3.2 at specific loci. Altogether, these results reveal an unrecognized signaling pathway that modulates the expression of T-type calcium channels, and may potentially contribute to the development of peripheral neuropathy associated with homocysteinemia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Channels, T-Type / metabolism*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Ganglia, Spinal / metabolism
  • Homocysteine / blood
  • Hyperalgesia / etiology
  • Hyperalgesia / metabolism*
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / complications*
  • Nociception / physiology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / etiology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / metabolism*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar

Substances

  • Calcium Channels, T-Type
  • Homocysteine
  • Calcium

Supplementary concepts

  • Homocysteinemia

Grants and funding