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Antunes FTT, Campos MM, Carvalho VDPR, da Silva Junior CA, Magno LAV, de Souza AH, Gomez MV. Current Drug Development Overview: Targeting Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels for the Treatment of Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119223. [PMID: 37298174 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are targeted to treat pain conditions. Since the discovery of their relation to pain processing control, they are investigated to find new strategies for better pain control. This review provides an overview of naturally based and synthetic VGCC blockers, highlighting new evidence on the development of drugs focusing on the VGCC subtypes as well as mixed targets with pre-clinical and clinical analgesic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Tasmin Techera Antunes
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Maria Martha Campos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Odontologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde e da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90619-900, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luiz Alexandre Viana Magno
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais (FCMMG), Belo Horizonte 30110-005, MG, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Hubner de Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais (FCMMG), Belo Horizonte 30110-005, MG, Brazil
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Trevisan G, Oliveira SM. Animal Venom Peptides Cause Antinociceptive Effects by Voltage-gated Calcium Channels Activity Blockage. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1579-1599. [PMID: 34259147 PMCID: PMC9881091 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210713121217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is a complex phenomenon that is usually unpleasant and aversive. It can range widely in intensity, quality, and duration and has diverse pathophysiologic mechanisms and meanings. Voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels are essential to transmitting painful stimuli from the periphery until the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Thus, blocking voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) can effectively control pain refractory to treatments currently used in the clinic, such as cancer and neuropathic pain. VGCCs blockers isolated of cobra Naja naja kaouthia (α-cobratoxin), spider Agelenopsis aperta (ω-Agatoxin IVA), spider Phoneutria nigriventer (PhTx3.3, PhTx3.4, PhTx3.5, PhTx3.6), spider Hysterocrates gigas (SNX-482), cone snails Conus geographus (GVIA), Conus magus (MVIIA or ziconotide), Conus catus (CVID, CVIE and CVIF), Conus striatus (SO- 3), Conus fulmen (FVIA), Conus moncuri (MoVIA and MoVIB), Conus regularis (RsXXIVA), Conus eburneus (Eu1.6), Conus victoriae (Vc1.1.), Conus regius (RgIA), and spider Ornithoctonus huwena (huwentoxin-I and huwentoxin-XVI) venoms caused antinociceptive effects in different acute and chronic pain models. Currently, ziconotide is the only clinical used N-type VGCCs blocker peptide for chronic intractable pain. However, ziconotide causes different adverse effects, and the intrathecal route of administration also impairs its use in a more significant number of patients. In this sense, peptides isolated from animal venoms or their synthetic forms that act by modulating or blocking VGCCs channels seem to be a relevant prototype for developing new analgesics efficacious and well tolerated by patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Trevisan
- Graduated Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil; ,Address correspondence to these authors at the Graduated Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima, 1000, building 21, room 5207, Zip code: 97105-900 Santa Maria (RS), Brazil; E-mails: , and Graduated Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima, 1000, building 18, room 2203, Zip code: 97105-900 Santa Maria (RS), Brazil;, E-mail:
| | - Sara Marchesan Oliveira
- Graduated Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil,Address correspondence to these authors at the Graduated Program in Pharmacology, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima, 1000, building 21, room 5207, Zip code: 97105-900 Santa Maria (RS), Brazil; E-mails: , and Graduated Program in Biological Sciences: Toxicological Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima, 1000, building 18, room 2203, Zip code: 97105-900 Santa Maria (RS), Brazil;, E-mail:
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Matsushita Y, Manabe M, Kitagawa I, Higuchi M, Hosaka YZ, Kitamura N. Inhibition of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 through α 2 adrenergic receptors at peripheral nerve terminals relieves pain. J Vet Med Sci 2021; 83:1570-1581. [PMID: 34470979 PMCID: PMC8569874 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The activation of α2 adrenergic receptors contributes to analgesia not only in
the central nervous system but also in the peripheral nervous system. We reported that
noradrenaline inhibits the activity of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)
evoked by capsaicin through α2 receptors in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion
(DRG) neurons. However, it is unclear whether activation of TRPV1 expressed in peripheral
nerve terminals is inhibited by α2 receptors and whether this phenomenon
contributes to analgesia. Therefore, we examined effects of clonidine, an α2
receptor agonist, on several types of nociceptive behaviors, which may be caused by TRPV1
activity, and subtypes of α2 receptors expressed with TRPV1 in primary sensory
neurons in rats. Capsaicin injected into hind paws evoked nociceptive behaviors and
clonidine preinjected into the same site inhibited capsaicin-evoked responses. This
inhibition was not observed when clonidine was injected into the contralateral hind paws.
Preinjection of clonidine into the plantar surface of ipsilateral, but not contralateral,
hind paws reduced the sensitivity to heat stimuli. Clonidine partially reduced
formalin-evoked responses when it was preinjected into ipsilateral hind paws. The
expression level of α2C receptor mRNA quantified by real-time PCR was highest
followed by those of α2A and α2B receptors in DRGs. α2A
and α2C receptor-like immunoreactivities were detected with TRPV1-like
immunoreactivities in the same neurons. These results suggest that TRPV1 and α2
receptors are coexpressed in peripheral nerve terminals and that the functional
association between these two molecules causes analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Matsushita
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8511, Japan.,Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
| | - Miki Manabe
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
| | - Issei Kitagawa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
| | - Masashi Higuchi
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8511, Japan.,Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Z Hosaka
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8511, Japan.,Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
| | - Naoki Kitamura
- The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753-8511, Japan.,Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori 680-8553, Japan
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Rivas-Ramirez P, Gadotti VM, Zamponi GW, Weiss N. Surfen is a broad-spectrum calcium channel inhibitor with analgesic properties in mouse models of acute and chronic inflammatory pain. Pflugers Arch 2017; 469:1325-1334. [DOI: 10.1007/s00424-017-2017-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Characterization of the antinociceptive effect of PhTx3-4, a toxin from Phoneutria nigriventer , in models of thermal, chemical and incisional pain in mice. Toxicon 2015; 108:53-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.09.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Marinelli S, Eleuteri C, Vacca V, Strimpakos G, Mattei E, Severini C, Pavone F, Luvisetto S. Effects of age-related loss of P/Q-type calcium channels in a mice model of peripheral nerve injury. Neurobiol Aging 2014; 36:352-64. [PMID: 25150573 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed the role of P/Q-type calcium channels in sciatic nerve regeneration after lesion induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) in heterozygous null mutant mice lacking the CaV2.1α1 subunit of these channels (Cacna1a+/-). Compared with wild type, Cacna1a+/- mice showed an initial reduction of the CCI-induced allodynia, indicating a reduced pain perception, but they also evidenced a lack of recovery over time, with atrophy of the injured hindpaw still present 3 months after CCI when wild-type mice fully recovered. In parallel, Cacna1a+/- mice exhibited an early onset of age-dependent loss of P/Q-type channels, which can be responsible for the lack of functional recovery. Moreover, Cacna1a+/- mice showed an early age-dependent reduction of muscular strength, as well as of Schwann cells proliferation and sciatic nerve remyelination. This study demonstrates the important role played by P/Q-type channels in recovery from nerve injury and has important implications for the knowledge of age-related processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Marinelli
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Eleuteri
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Vacca
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Georgios Strimpakos
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Mattei
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Severini
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Flaminia Pavone
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Siro Luvisetto
- CNR National Research Council of Italy, Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.
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Bourinet E, Altier C, Hildebrand ME, Trang T, Salter MW, Zamponi GW. Calcium-permeable ion channels in pain signaling. Physiol Rev 2014; 94:81-140. [PMID: 24382884 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00023.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The detection and processing of painful stimuli in afferent sensory neurons is critically dependent on a wide range of different types of voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels, including sodium, calcium, and TRP channels, to name a few. The functions of these channels include the detection of mechanical and chemical insults, the generation of action potentials and regulation of neuronal firing patterns, the initiation of neurotransmitter release at dorsal horn synapses, and the ensuing activation of spinal cord neurons that project to pain centers in the brain. Long-term changes in ion channel expression and function are thought to contribute to chronic pain states. Many of the channels involved in the afferent pain pathway are permeable to calcium ions, suggesting a role in cell signaling beyond the mere generation of electrical activity. In this article, we provide a broad overview of different calcium-permeable ion channels in the afferent pain pathway and their role in pain pathophysiology.
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Abstract
Chronic pain is a major therapeutic problem as the current treatment options are unsatisfactory with low efficacy and deleterious side effects. Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs), which are multi-complex proteins consisting of α1, β, γ, and α2δ subunits, play an important role in pain signaling. These channels are involved in neurogenic inflammation, excitability, and neurotransmitter release in nociceptors. It has been previously shown that N-type VGCCs (Cav2.2) are a major pain target. U.S. FDA approval of three Cav2.2 antagonists, gabapentin, pregabalin, and ziconotide, for chronic pain underlies the importance of this channel subtype. Also, there has been increasing evidence that L-type (Cav1.2) or T-type (Cav3.2) VGCCs may be involved in pain signaling and chronic pain. In order to develop novel pain therapeutics and to understand the role of VGCC subtypes, discovering subtype selective VGCC inhibitors or methods that selectively target the inhibitor into nociceptors would be essential. This review describes the various VGCC subtype inhibitors and the potential of utilizing VGCC subtypes as targets of chronic pain. Development of VGCC subtype inhibitors and targeting them into nociceptors will contribute to a better understanding of the roles of VGCC subtypes in pain at a spinal level as well as development of a novel class of analgesics for chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungkyu Lee
- F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston MA 02115 USA; ; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115 USA
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Ionotropic glutamate receptors and voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels in long-term potentiation of spinal dorsal horn synapses and pain hypersensitivity. Neural Plast 2013; 2013:654257. [PMID: 24224102 PMCID: PMC3808892 DOI: 10.1155/2013/654257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Revised: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last twenty years of research on cellular mechanisms of pain hypersensitivity, long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission in the spinal cord dorsal horn (DH) has emerged as an important contributor to pain pathology. Mechanisms that underlie LTP of spinal DH neurons include changes in the numbers, activity, and properties of ionotropic glutamate receptors (AMPA and NMDA receptors) and of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. Here, we review the roles and mechanisms of these channels in the induction and expression of spinal DH LTP, and we present this within the framework of the anatomical organization and synaptic circuitry of the spinal DH. Moreover, we compare synaptic plasticity in the spinal DH with classical LTP described for hippocampal synapses.
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Venom peptides as a rich source of cav2.2 channel blockers. Toxins (Basel) 2013; 5:286-314. [PMID: 23381143 PMCID: PMC3640536 DOI: 10.3390/toxins5020286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Revised: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cav2.2 is a calcium channel subtype localized at nerve terminals, including nociceptive fibers, where it initiates neurotransmitter release. Cav2.2 is an important contributor to synaptic transmission in ascending pain pathways, and is up-regulated in the spinal cord in chronic pain states along with the auxiliary α2δ1 subunit. It is therefore not surprising that toxins that inhibit Cav2.2 are analgesic. Venomous animals, such as cone snails, spiders, snakes, assassin bugs, centipedes and scorpions are rich sources of remarkably potent and selective Cav2.2 inhibitors. However, side effects in humans currently limit their clinical use. Here we review Cav2.2 inhibitors from venoms and their potential as drug leads.
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Fukumoto N, Kitamura N, Niimi K, Takahashi E, Itakura C, Shibuya I. Ca2+ channel currents in dorsal root ganglion neurons of P/Q-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channel mutant mouse, rolling mouse Nagoya. Neurosci Res 2012; 73:199-206. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2012.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2012] [Revised: 03/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Yamamoto S, Tanabe M, Ono H. N- and L-Type Voltage-Dependent Ca 2+ Channels Contribute to the Generation of After-Discharges in the Spinal Ventral Root After Cessation of Noxious Mechanical Stimulation. J Pharmacol Sci 2012; 119:82-90. [DOI: 10.1254/jphs.12035fp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
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Abstract
Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) play obligatory physiological roles, including modulation of neuronal: functions, synaptic plasticity, neurotransmitter release and gene transcription. Dysregulation and maladaptive changes in VGCC expression and activities may occur in the sensory pathway under various pathological conditions that could contribute to the development of pain. In this review, we summarized the most recent findings on the regulation of VGCC expression and physiological functions in the sensory pathway, and in dysregulation and maladaptive changes of VGCC under pain-inducing conditions. The implications of: these changes in understanding the mechanisms of pain transduction and in new drug design are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Park
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California-Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
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