Sodium channel beta 1 and beta 2 subunits parallel SNS/PN3 alpha-subunit changes in injured human sensory neurons

Voltage-gated sodium channels consist of a pore-containing alpha -subunit a nd one or more auxiliary beta -subunits. which may modulate channel functio n. We previously demonstrated that sodium channel SNS/PN3 alpha -subunits w ere decreased in human sensory cell bodies after spinal root avulsion injur y. and accumulated at injured nerve terminals in pain states. Using specifi c antibodies for immunohistochemistry, we have now detected sodium channel beta1 and beta2 subunits in sensory cell bodies within control human postmo rtem sensory ganglia (78% of small/medium (less than or equal to 50 mum) an d 68% of large (greater than or equal to 50 mum) cells); their changes in c ervical sensory ganglia after avulsion injury paralleled those described fo r SNS/PN3 alpha -subunits. Our results suggest that alpha- and beta -subuni ts share common regulatory mechanisms, but present distinct targets for nov el analgesics. NeuroReport 12:483-488 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkin s.