The effects of Na+ channel blockers on somatosensory processing by rat dorsal horn neurones

Neuroreport
G Blackburn-Munro, S M Fleetwood-Walker

Abstract

Two voltage-activated Na+ channel blockers, lamotrigine and flunarizine were applied ionophoretically to extracellularly recorded dorsal horn neurones to assess effects on activation by noxious (mustard oil) and innocuous (brush) stimuli. Lamotrigine and flunarizine caused significantly greater reductions in mustard oil-evoked activity (> 50% in both cases) than in brush-evoked activity (13 +/- 7% and 29 +/- 6%; p < 6%; +/- 0.005 and p < 0.05 respectively) at equivalent ionophoretic currents. Similar results were observed when lamotrigine was administered i.v. Thus, the activation of dorsal horn neurones by nociceptive and non-nociceptive afferent inputs can be differentiated by the blockade of a lamotrigine/flunarizine-sensitive Na+ channel, at a spinal site.

References

Jan 1, 1995·Annual Review of Biochemistry·W A Catterall
Jan 18, 1996·Nature·M Bunsey, H Eichenbaum

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Citations

Jun 25, 2002·European Journal of Pharmacology·Gordon Blackburn-MunroHelle K Erichsen
Mar 29, 2001·Neuroscience Research·G Blackburn-MunroS M Fleetwood-Walker
Feb 13, 1999·Progress in Neurobiology·M J Millan
Oct 11, 2003·Molecular and Cellular Neurosciences·Emer M GarrySusan M Fleetwood-Walker
Aug 17, 2002·The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·Tinna M LaughlinAngela K Birnbaum

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