Role of leak potassium channels in pain signaling.

Abstract

Potassium (K(+)) channels are membrane proteins that allow rapid and selective flow of K(+) ions across the cell membrane, generating electrical signals in neurons. Thus, K(+) channels play a critical role in determining the neuronal excitability. Two-pore domain (K2P) "leak" K(+) channels give rise to leak K(+) currents that are responsible for the resting membrane potential and input resistance. The wide expression of leak K(+) channels in the central and peripheral nervous system suggests that these channels are critically involved in pain signaling and behavior. Indeed, it has become apparent in the past decade that the leak K(+) channels play essential roles in the development of pain. In this review, we describe evidence for the roles of TASK1, TASK3, TREK1, TREK2, TRAAK and TRESK channels in pain signaling and behavior. Furthermore, we describe the possible involvement of TASK2 and TWIK1 channels in pain.

• Authors: Xiang-Yao Li, Hiroki Toyoda
• Journal: Brain research bulletin (Brain Res Bull) Vol. 119 Issue Pt A Pg. 73-9 (Oct 2015) ISSN: 1873-2747 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 26321392 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain

Topics

• Animals
• Humans
• Pain (drug therapy, metabolism)
• Pain Perception (drug effects, physiology)
• Potassium Channels, Tandem Pore Domain (metabolism)