Pflügers Archiv : European journal of physiology
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Small (<25 microm in diameter) neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) express multiple voltage-gated Na(+) channel subtypes, two of which being resistant to tetrodotoxin (TTX). Each subtype mediates Na(+) current with distinct kinetic property. However, it is not known how each type of Na(+) channel contributes to the generation of action potentials in small DRG neurons. ⋯ We also confirmed that TTX-R/persistent Na(+) current mediated by Na(V)1.9 actually regulates subthreshold excitability in small DRG neurons. In addition, we demon strated that TTX-R/persistent Na(+) current can carry an action potential when the amplitude of this current was abnormally increased. Thus, our results indicate that the action potentials in small DRG neurons are generated and regulated with a combination of multiple mechanisms that may give rise to unique functional properties of small DRG neurons.