NaV1.7: Stress-induced changes in immunoreactivity within magnocellular neurosecretory neurons of the supraoptic nucleus

Conclusions:
NaV1.7 is present within neurosecretory neurons of rat supraoptic nucleus, where the level of immunoreactivity is dynamic, increasing in response to osmotic stress. Whether NaV1.7 levels are up-regulated within the human hypothalamus in response to environmental factors or stress, and whether NaV1.7 plays a functional role in human hypothalamus, is not yet known. Until these questions are resolved, the present findings suggest the need for careful assessment of hypothalamic function in patients with NaV1.7 mutations, especially when subjected to stress, and for monitoring of hypothalamic function as NaV1.7 blocking agents are studied.

Source: Molecular Pain - August 8, 2013 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Joel BlackJanneke HoeijmakersCatherina FaberIngemar MerkiesStephen Waxman Source Type: research