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Published on: January 21, 2020
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Acid-Sensing Ion Channels and Pain
1Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536-0298, USA. qgu2@email.uky.edu.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 8, 2016
Summary
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) detect pain associated with tissue acidosis from inflammation or injury. Targeting ASICs offers potential for managing pain by blocking these proton-gated channels.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pain Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Pathophysiological conditions like inflammation, ischemia, infection, and tissue injury are linked to local acidosis and pain.
- Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton-gated cation channels crucial for pain sensation.
- ASICs are expressed in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes current research on the role of ASICs in pain.
- It examines the physiological mechanisms by which ASICs contribute to pain signaling.
- The review discusses the therapeutic implications of targeting ASICs for pain management.
Key Points:
- ASICs are essential sensors for pain arising from tissue acidosis.
- Evidence supports ASICs' role in various pain states.
- Modulating ASIC activity presents a promising therapeutic strategy.
Conclusions:
- ASICs are critical mediators of acidosis-induced pain.
- Understanding ASIC function is key to developing novel analgesics.
- Targeting ASICs holds significant therapeutic potential for pain management.
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