HCN ion channel: biological characteristics and functions in pain.
- Author:
Tong WU
1
;
He LIU
;
Li-Cai ZHANG
Author Information
1. Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, China. lczhang@xzmc.edu.cn.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Humans;
Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels;
physiology;
Membrane Potentials;
Pain;
physiopathology;
Potassium Channels;
Synaptic Transmission
- From:
Acta Physiologica Sinica
2014;66(4):423-430
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels in vertebrate are reverse voltage-dependent, and its activation depends on the hyperpolarization of cell and may be directly or indirectly regulated by the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) or other signal transduction cascades. The distribution, quantity, and activation states of HCN channels differ in tissues throughout the body. By modulating If/If current, HCN channels may influence the resting membrane potential, and thus importantly regulate neuronal excitability, dendritic integration of synaptic potentials, and synaptic transmission. Evidence exhibits that HCN channels participate in pain and other physiological and pathological process. Pharmacological treatment targeting HCN channels is of benefit to relieve pain and other related diseases.
