Meeting details menu

Meeting Authors
Meeting Abstracts
Keynote lectures
Oral communications
Poster presentations
Special symposia
Other

Acta Physiologica Congress

Back

Acta Physiologica 2011; Volume 201, Supplement 682
The 90th Annual Meeting of The German Physiological Society
3/26/2011-3/29/2011
Regensburg, Germany


DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS OF LIDOCAINE AND A SPECIFIC NAV1.7 BLOCKER ON THE CONDUCTIVE PROPERTIES OF C-FIBERS, IN PIG SKIN
Abstract number: O87

*Hirth1 M., *Obreja1 O., Ringkamp2 M., Rukwied1 R., Nystroem3 J.-E., Raboisson3 P., Hagglof3 B., *Schmelz1 M.

Mutations of the axonal sodium channel Nav1.7 can generate either a syndrom of congenital indifference to pain (CIP) or neuropathic conditions like erythromelalgia. Since microneurographic recordings in erythromelalgia patients identified specific changes in the axonal characteristics of C-nociceptors, Nav1.7 emerges as an attractive target for chronic pain treatment. However, pharmacological interventions are limited in human microneurography. We have found that human and porcine nociceptive and non-nociceptive C-fiber classes correlated in both distribution and conduction characteristics, thus establishing a human-like animal model suitable for pharmacological investigations. Here we compared the axonal effects of lidocaine (a non-specific local anesthetic) and of a specific Nav1.7 blocker (developed by Astra-Zeneca). Saline solution served as control. Single-fiber extracellular recordings from porcine saphenous nerves were performed. We classified C-nociceptors as mechano-sensitive and mechano-insensitive, according to their mechanical responsiveness and amount of activity-dependent slowing (ADS) of conduction velocity. After characterization, 100ml of either lidocaine 0.1% or Nav1.7 blocker (20mM) were injected intradermally at the stimulation site. Axonal and sensory testing was repeated after injection. Lidocaine increased electrical thresholds and resting conduction latencies and decreased ADS in 6 mechano-insensitive and 7 mechano-sensitive C-nociceptors. In contrast, the specific Nav1.7 blocker preferentially affected mechano-insensitive nociceptors (n= 4), while sparing mechano-sensitive nociceptors (n= 4). Accordingly, Nav1.7 blocker rendered all mechano-insensitive units more susceptible to a conduction block. Saline did not alter conductive properties of any porcine C-fibers. We conclude that nerve conduction in mechano-insensitive nociceptors in pig skin depends on the presence of functional axonal Nav1.7 channels.

To cite this abstract, please use the following information:
Acta Physiologica 2011; Volume 201, Supplement 682 :O87

Our site uses cookies to improve your experience.You can find out more about our use of cookies in our standard cookie policy, including instructions on how to reject and delete cookies if you wish to do so.

By continuing to browse this site you agree to us using cookies as described in our standard cookie policy .

CLOSE