Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Electrophysiological Methods to Assess Peripheral Pain Block in an Anesthetized Rat
Published on: November 21, 2025
Targeting voltage-gated sodium channels for treating neuropathic and inflammatory pain
1Xenon Pharmaceuticals, Burnaby, BC V5G4W8, Canada. ccohen@xenon-pharma.com
Abstract:
Voltage-gated sodium channels (Na(V)) are well validated targets for treating pain based both on human genetics and clinical experience. Consequently, there is an extensive literature on sodium channels for the treatment of pain and a number of excellent and thorough reviews have recently appeared; a selection of these is provided. This review does not attempt to evaluate all aspects of the studies in this area, but rather will focuses on several key issues that are incompletely addressed in prior reviews or that represent very recent additions to the literature. Key questions that arise are: 1) How much channel block is required to observe efficacy against neuropathic or inflammatory pain? 2) How can one improve upon the therapeutic index of previously tested Na(V) blockers?
Related Concept Videos
Voltage-gated Ion Channels
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Voltage-gated Ion Channels
Generally, all voltage-gated ion channels have a 'voltage-sensing domain' that spans the lipid bilayer. The charged residues in the sensor move in response to the membrane potential changes that open the channel allowing ions movement. There are several types of...
Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Non-gated Ion Channels
Compared to the gated ion channels, the non-gated channels, also known as leakage or passive channels, have no gating mechanism.
Analgesia and Pain Management
Mechanically-gated Ion Channels