Tetrodotoxin (TTX) as a therapeutic agent for pain.
Mar Drugs
; 10(2): 281-305, 2012 Feb.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-22412801
ABSTRACT
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs). VGSCs play a critical role in neuronal function under both physiological and pathological conditions. TTX has been extensively used to functionally characterize VGSCs, which can be classified as TTX-sensitive or TTX-resistant channels according to their sensitivity to this toxin. Alterations in the expression and/or function of some specific TTX-sensitive VGSCs have been implicated in a number of chronic pain conditions. The administration of TTX at doses below those that interfere with the generation and conduction of action potentials in normal (non-injured) nerves has been used in humans and experimental animals under different pain conditions. These data indicate a role for TTX as a potential therapeutic agent for pain. This review focuses on the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting a potential analgesic role for TTX. In addition, the contribution of specific TTX-sensitive VGSCs to pain is reviewed.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Tetrodotoxina
/
Canales de Sodio
/
Analgésicos no Narcóticos
/
Bloqueadores de los Canales de Sodio
/
Neurotoxinas
Límite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Mar Drugs
Asunto de la revista:
BIOLOGIA
/
FARMACOLOGIA
Año:
2012
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
España