Inflammation-induced increase in hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated channel protein in trigeminal ganglion neurons and the effect of buprenorphine

Abstract

Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are active at resting membrane potential and thus contribute to neuronal excitability. Their increased activity has recently been demonstrated in models of nerve injury-induced pain. The major aim of the current study was to investigate altered HCN channel protein expression in trigeminal sensory neurons following inflammation of the dura. HCN1 and HCN2 channel immunoreactivity was observed on the membranes of medium- to large-sized trigeminal ganglion neurons with 76% and 85% of HCN1 and HCN2 expressing neurons also containing the 200 kDa neurofilament protein (associated with myelinated fibers). Western immunoblots of lysat..