A "receptor" for protons in small neurons of trigeminal ganglia: possible role in nociception.
Neurons of the rat's trigeminal ganglion were enzymatically isolated and investigated under the conditions of intracellular perfusion and voltage clamp. Recently discovered proton-activated sodium conductance was found in about half of the neurons. The majority of these proton-sensitive neurons (74%) were less than 26 micrometer in diameter, whereas most of the proton-insensitive cells (75%) were larger than 26 micrometer in diameter. The possibility is discussed that the small proton-sensitive neurons may participate in nociception.
D000818:Animals; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007700:Kinetics; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009619:Nociceptors / Q000502:physiology*; D011522:Protons; D051381:Rats; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism; D012668:Trigeminal Ganglion / Q000502:physiology*; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve / Q000502:physiology*
D011522:Protons; D012964:Sodium