Relationship between voltage-gated sodium ion channels and neuropathic pain

The voltage-gated sodium ion channels are composed of a superfamily of glycoprotein molecules to be able to form membrane channels, which gate in response to changes in membrane potential. The major structure component of the channel is a protein of approximates 260 kDa namedα-subunit. Several different sodium channels,α- subunits have been identified andβ(β1-4) subunits have been cloned. Their effects upon channel gating functions and action on neuropathic pain were introduced.