Ion Channels in Pain Pathways - Calcium Channels

Question 1

What is the role of N-type calcium channels at the nociceptor terminal

Answer 1

Regulate transmitter release (glutamate)
The calcium influx arriving as a result of the action potential is regulated by the calcium channels to regulate the rate of calcium release

Question 2

What is the effect of removing Cav2.2 from animals?

Answer 2

Associated analgesia

Question 3

Which convulsant drugs are used to treat analgesia that act at the calcium channels?

Answer 3

Pregabalin and gabapentin bind to alpha 2 deta subunit of the calcium channels and are used to treat neuropathic pain in humans

Question 4

What is TROX1?

Answer 4

Small molecule Cav2.2 blocker developed by Merck labs

Not easy to deliver to body (injected intrathecally atm)