title: Ion channels in analgesia research.
abstract: The distribution of ion channels in neurons associated with pain pathways is becoming better understood. In particular, we now have insights into the molecular nature of the channels that are activated by tissue-damaging stimuli, as well as the mechanisms by which voltage-gated channels alter the sensitivity of peripheral neurons to change pain thresholds. This chapter details the evidence that individual channels may be associated with particular pain states, and describes genetic approaches to test the possible utility of targeting individual channels to treat pain.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Nociception Group, Biology Department, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK. J.Wood@ucl.ac.uk
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Wood
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D000072237:ERG1 Potassium Channel; D051638:Ether-A-Go-Go Potassium Channels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D044169:Receptors, Calcium-Sensing / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D015222:Sodium Channels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D015220:Calcium Channels; D000072237:ERG1 Potassium Channel; D051638:Ether-A-Go-Go Potassium Channels; D007473:Ion Channels; D015221:Potassium Channels; D044169:Receptors, Calcium-Sensing; D015222:Sodium Channels