A new approach to differential peripheral nerve fiber block: Na+,K+-ATPase inhibition.
Differential block of peripheral nerve fibers was attempted in vitro by a new approach based on inhibiting the membrane pump with ouabain. Sequential concentration dependent extinction of the components of the compound action potential was obtained: C extinguished first, A delta next, A beta last. The sequence conforms to expectations based on axonal size. Because pain is mediated by C and A delta fibers, and block of these groups by ouabain was not reversed readily, further investigation of the practicability of the new approach seems warranted.
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D000818:Animals; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D009412:Nerve Fibers / Q000187:drug effects*; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / Q000187:drug effects*; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000187:drug effects; D010042:Ouabain / Q000494:pharmacology; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology; D011817:Rabbits; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000187:drug effects
D010042:Ouabain; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase