Streptozocin-Induced Neuropathy Is Associated with Altered Expression of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel Subunit mRNAs in Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurones

Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) within sensory neurones are believed to perform an important role in neuropathic pain. In the present study we examine the changes in VGCC mRNA which occur following streptozocin- (STZ) induced diabetic neuropathy using in situ hybridization. STZ caused a significant increase in α2δ1, α2δ2, and α2δ3 mRNA levels in all neuronal cell types. Similarly, mRNA levels of α1F, α1I, and α1S were increased in all cell types studied whilst α1A and α1G mRNAs were specifically upregulated in medium and large diameter neurones. In conclusion, we demonstrate that the induction of diabetic neuropathy is associated with dramatic changes in the expression of VGCCs.