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EFFECTS OF SELECTIVE AND NON-SELECTIVE SODIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS ON RAT PAIN SENSITIVITY

AURELIA MÂRZA 1 , CĂTALIN CEZAR CARĂTAȘU 1 , VERONICA BILD 1*, BOGDAN IONEL TAMBA 1,2 , WALTHER BILD 1

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Pain serves as a critical alert system for our bodies, indicating potential harm and promoting avoidance of dangerous stimuli. This complex sensory experience begins when nociceptors, specialized sensory neurons, are activated. These neurons reside within voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav), which are pivotal in the pain sensation process, transmitting signals to the brain. Research spanning from early electrophysiology to contemporary molecular biology has shed light on the workings of Nav channels, with particular Nav subtypes (1.3, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9) linked to various pain-related pathologies. Investigations into Nav- selective blockers, such as A8054 and QX314, administered in three different doses (0.75 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg, respectively 12.5 μM/kg, 25 μM/kg and 50 μM/kg) were made for groups of 5 rats each and compared to control groups. Their effects on acute pain were assessed using methods like the tail flick and hot plate tests. QX314, a non-selective Nav antagonist, demonstrated expected analgesic properties, whereas A8054, which targets Nav 1.8, was found to mainly influence cold sensitivity. This study is particularly innovative in its simultaneous evaluation of A8054 and QX314's effects using a combination of thermal and mechanical pain assessments, offering new perspectives in pain research and highlighting the importance of understanding pain mechanisms for clinical management and treatment.