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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
07:12
Chronic Post-Ischemia Pain Model for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type-I in Rats
Published on: January 21, 2020
Acid-sensing ion channels in postoperative pain
Emmanuel Deval1, Jacques Noël, Xavier Gasull
1Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Unité Mixte de Recherche 6097 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, 06560 Valbonne, France. deval@ipmc.cnrs.fr
Summary
Postoperative pain involves acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs). Targeting ASIC3 in peripheral nerves significantly reduced pain behaviors in a rat surgical model, highlighting its role in surgical pain management.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Postoperative pain is a significant clinical concern with incompletely understood mechanisms.
- Hydrogen ions (protons) are implicated in the pathophysiology of pain.
- Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton-gated ion channels involved in sensory perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of peripheral ASICs in a rat model of postoperative pain.
- To determine the specific ASIC subtypes involved in incisional pain.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a rat hindpaw skin/muscle incision model to induce postoperative pain.
- Measured ASIC currents in sensory neurons innervating the hindpaw.
- Investigated ASIC3 expression and function using pharmacological inhibitors (APETx2) and gene knockdown (siRNA).
- Assessed pain behaviors including spontaneous flinching, thermal hyperalgesia, and weight bearing.
Main Results:
- High levels of ASIC currents (77%) were found in hindpaw muscle-innervating sensory neurons, with a prevalence of ASIC3.
- ASIC3 protein and mRNA levels increased 24 hours post-surgery.
- Inhibition or knockdown of ASIC3 significantly reduced spontaneous, thermal, and postural pain behaviors.
- Peripheral blockade of ASIC1a channels did not affect pain behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Peripheral ASIC3-containing channels play a significant role in mediating postoperative pain.
- ASIC3 is crucial for deep tissue pain and also contributes to prolonged pain from skin incisions.
- Targeting peripheral ASIC3 presents a potential therapeutic strategy for managing postoperative pain.
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