Acid-Sensing Ion Channels and Pain

Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2010 May 11;3(5):1411-1425. doi: 10.3390/ph3051411.

Abstract

Pathophysiological conditions such as inflammation, ischemia, infection and tissue injury can all evoke pain, and each is accompanied by local acidosis. Acid sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton-gated cation channels expressed in both central and peripheral nervous systems. Increasing evidence suggests that ASICs represent essential sensors for tissue acidosis-related pain. This review provides an update on the role of ASICs in pain sensation and discusses their therapeutic potential for pain management.

Keywords: acid sensing ion channel; acidosis; inflammation; nociceptor; pain.

Publication types

  • Review