Up-regulation of class A Ca2+ channels in trigeminal ganglion after pulp exposure

WE have studied changes in the level of calcium channel expression in the c ell bodies of neurons located in the maxillary division of the trigeminal g anglion following induction of persistent pulpitis by pulp exposure in the right maxillary molars. Using anti-peptide antibodies to the alpha(1) subun it of class A (P-/Q-type) voltage-gated calcium channels, we observed sligh t increases in the expression level three days following surgery and approx imately 4 fold increase by eight days following the lesion. These changes i n the expression of the al subunit of class A calcium channels may have fun ctional implications in the responses of nociceptive neurons to chronic inf lammation. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.