
The discovery of new drug targets represents a real opportunity for developing fresh strategies against pain. Ion channels are interesting targets because they are directly involved in the detection and the transmission of noxious stimuli by sensory fibres of the peripheral nervous system and by neurons of the spinal cord. Acid-Sensing Ion Channels (ASICs) have emerged as important players in the pain pathway. They are neuronal, voltage-independent depolarizing sodium channels activated by extracellular protons. The ASIC family comprises several subunits that need to associate into homo- or hetero-trimers to form a functional channel. The ASIC1 and ASIC3 isoforms are particularly important in sensory neurons, whereas ASIC1a, alone or in association with ASIC2, is essential in the central nervous system. The potent analgesic effects associated with their inhibition in animals (which can be comparable to those of morphine) and data suggesting a role in human pain illustrate the therapeutic potential of these channels.
Central Nervous System, Nociception, Analgesics, Nerve Fibers, Unmyelinated, Ion Transport, Sensory Receptor Cells, Sodium, Action Potentials, Nociceptors, Pain, Extracellular Fluid, Nerve Tissue Proteins, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Acid Sensing Ion Channels, Acid Sensing Ion Channel Blockers, Drug Design, Animals, Humans, Protein Isoforms, Molecular Targeted Therapy
Central Nervous System, Nociception, Analgesics, Nerve Fibers, Unmyelinated, Ion Transport, Sensory Receptor Cells, Sodium, Action Potentials, Nociceptors, Pain, Extracellular Fluid, Nerve Tissue Proteins, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Acid Sensing Ion Channels, Acid Sensing Ion Channel Blockers, Drug Design, Animals, Humans, Protein Isoforms, Molecular Targeted Therapy
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