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Published on: July 16, 2014
Translating basic research on sodium channels in human neuropathic pain
Nadine Attal1, Didier Bouhassira
1Centre d'Evaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur, Hôpital Ambroise Paré, AP-HP and Université Versailles-Saint-Quentin, France. nadine.attal@apr.ap-hop-paris.fr
The Journal of Pain
|January 24, 2006
Summary
Sodium channel blockers are key to understanding neuropathic pain in humans. Clinical studies show these blockers effectively treat pain symptoms like allodynia, confirming the role of sodium channels.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Pain Research
Background:
- Animal studies suggest voltage-gated sodium channels are crucial in neuropathic pain.
- Translating animal findings to human neuropathic pain requires clinical investigation.
- Pharmacological challenge is essential for studying sodium channels in clinical pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of sodium channels in human neuropathic pain using clinical methods.
- Assess the efficacy of sodium channel blockers in treating neuropathic pain symptoms.
- Determine the involvement of peripheral and central sodium channels in neuropathic pain.
Main Methods:
- Utilized pharmacologic challenge with sodium channel blockers (antiepileptics, local anesthetics).
- Conducted randomized controlled trials to evaluate drug efficacy.
- Employed psychophysical studies to accurately assess pain symptoms and signs.
Main Results:
- Sodium channel blockers demonstrated efficacy in various neuropathic pain conditions.
- These agents act as antihyperalgesic agents, not just simple analgesics.
- Drug sensitivity was independent of pain aetiology or lesion location (peripheral/central).
Conclusions:
- Pharmacological challenge with sodium channel blockers effectively bridges basic research and clinical understanding of neuropathic pain.
- Sodium channels play a documented role in mechanical allodynia (static and dynamic).
- Both peripheral and central sodium channels are implicated in neuropathic pain mechanisms.
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