High-Voltage-Activated Calcium Channel in the Afferent Pain Pathway: An Important Target of Pain Therapies

• DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00378-5
• Publication Date: 2019-05-07T20:41:40Z
• Authors: Qi Li; Jian Lu; Xiaoxin Zhou; Xuemei Chen; Diansan Su; Xiyao Gu; Weifeng Yu
• Keywords: Afferent Pathways; 0303 health sciences; Calcium Channels, L-Type; Pain; Calcium Channel Blockers; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Calcium Channels, N-Type; Animals; Humans; Pain Management; Calcium; Calcium Channels

High-voltage-activated (HVA) Ca2+ channels are widely expressed in the nervous system. They play an important role in pain conduction by participating in various physiological processes such as synaptic transmission, changes in synaptic plasticity, and neuronal excitability. Available evidence suggests that the HVA channel is an important therapeutic target for pain management. In this review, we summarize the changes in different subtypes of HVA channel during pain and present the currently available evidence from the clinical application of HVA channel blockers. We also review novel drugs in various phases of development. Moreover, we discuss the future prospects of HVA channel blockers in order to promote "bench-to-bedside" translation.