CONTEXT

Transmission of the pain signal by the nervous system involves neuronal receptors which convert the painful stimulus into an electrical signal. The nociceptive neurons, which react specifically to pain stimuli, possess a unique repertory of ion channels that represent ideal targets for new analgesic drug development. Among them, T-type Calcium channels, and in particular CaV3.2, have been shown to be specifically implicated in nociception.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

The inventors have identified PspTx3, a 28 aa-peptide derived from the venom of a spider Theraphosidae, that efficiently inhibits CaV3.2. Besides, PspTx3 revealed to also efficiently inhibit NaV1.7, a sodium channel implicated in pain conduction and a very interesting target for pain treatment. Using a mouse model of chronic pain induced by sciatic nerve lesion, the peripheral injection of the toxin (subcutaneous injection in the leg) showed a much more potent effect on nociception compared to morphine. No cardiac toxicity could be detected.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

Drug development for use in pain treatment.

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