Attenuated neuropathic pain in Ca_V3.1 null mice

To assess the role of α_IG T-type Ca^2- channels in neuropathic pain After L5 spinal nerve ligation, we examined behavioral pain susceptibility in mice lacking Ca_v3.1 (α_IG^--), the gene encoding the pore-forming units of these channels. Reduced spontaneous pain responses and an increased threshold for paw with drawal in response to mechanical stimulation were observed in these mice. The α_IG ^-- mice also showed attenuated thermal hyperalgesia in response to both low-(IR30) and high-intensity (IR60) infrared stimulation. Our results reveal the importance of neuropathic pain, Ca^2- channels in the development of neuropathic pain, and suggest that selective modulation of α_IG subtype channels may provide a novel approach to the treatment of allodynia and hyperalgesia.