Nerve injury induces robust allodynia and ectopic discharges in Nav1.3 null mutant mice
2006

Nerve injury and its effects on pain in Nav1.3 mutant mice

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Nassar Mohammed A, Baker Mark D, Levato Alessandra, Ingram Rachel, Mallucci Giovanna, McMahon Stephen B, Wood John N

Primary Institution: University College London

Hypothesis

Nav1.3 has a causative role in nerve-injury-induced chronic pain.

Conclusion

Nav1.3 is neither necessary nor sufficient for the development of nerve-injury related pain.

Supporting Evidence

  • Nav1.3 mutant mice showed normal levels of neuropathic pain after nerve injury.
  • Ectopic discharges from damaged nerves were unaffected by the absence of Nav1.3.
  • Both global and conditional Nav1.3 knockout mice developed robust mechanical allodynia.

Takeaway

The study found that mice without the Nav1.3 gene still felt pain after nerve injury, showing that Nav1.3 isn't needed for this type of pain.

Methodology

The study used genetic approaches to create Nav1.3 mutant mouse lines and assessed pain behavior after nerve injury.

Limitations

The study does not address the role of other sodium channels in neuropathic pain.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1744-8069-2-33

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