Cisplatin-induced neuropathic pain is mediated by upregulation of N-type voltage-gated calcium channels in dorsal root ganglion neurons.

Cisplatin-induced neuropathic pain is mediated by upregulation of N-type voltage-gated calcium channels in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Exp Neurol. 2016 Nov 4;: Authors: Leo M, Schmitt LI, Erkel M, Melnikova M, Thomale J, Hagenacker T Abstract Cisplatin is important in the treatment of various types of cancer. Although it is highly effective, it also has severe side effects, with neurotoxicity in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons being one of the most common. The key mechanisms of neurotoxicity are still controversially discussed; however, disturbances of the calcium homeostasis in DRG neurons have been suggested to mediate cisplatin neurotoxicity. By using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, immunostaining and behavioral experiments with Sprague-Dawley rats, we examined the influence of short- and long-term exposure to cisplatin on voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) currents (ICa(V)) in small DRG neurons. In vitro exposure to cisplatin reduced ICa(V) in a concentration-dependent manner (0.01-50μM; 13.8-77.3%; IC50 5.07μM). Subtype-specific measurements of VGCCs showed differential effects on ICa(V). While the ICa(V) of P/Q-, L- and T-type VGCCs were reduced, ICa(V) of N-type VGCCs were increased by 30.3% during depolarization to 0mV. Exposure of DRG neurons to cisplatin (0.5 or 5μM) for 24-48h in vitro significantly increased a CaMK II-mediated ICa(V) current density. Immunostaining and western blot analysis revealed an inc...
Source: Experimental Neurology - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Exp Neurol Source Type: research