Are there any other voltage gated ion channels that are targets for pain modulation?
Potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q members are potential targets for pain management. The M potassium channel is a slowly activating and deactivating channel that regulates neuronal excitability. A defect in the KCNQ3 gene results in neonatal convulsions; therefore, activators of the M channel have the potential to treat seizures and reduce neuropathic pain. Retagabine activates the M channel and is a leading candidate.
