Discovery of a Small Molecule Activator of Slack (Kcnt1) Potassium Channels That Significantly Reduces Scratching in Mouse Models of Histamine-Independent and Chronic Itch.

Various disorders are accompanied by histamine-independent itching, which is often resistant to the currently available therapies. Here, it is reported that the pharmacological activation of Slack (Kcnt1, K1.1), a potassium channel highly expressed in itch-sensitive sensory neurons, has therapeutic potential for the treatment of itching.

Slack Potassium Channels Modulate TRPA1-Mediated Nociception in Sensory Neurons.

The transient receptor potential (TRP) ankyrin type 1 (TRPA1) channel is highly expressed in a subset of sensory neurons where it acts as an essential detector of painful stimuli. However, the mechanisms that control the activity of sensory neurons upon TRPA1 activation remain poorly understood. Here, using in situ hybridization and immunostaining, we found TRPA1 to be extensively co-localized with the potassium channel Slack (K1.

Lack of efficacy of a partial adenosine A1 receptor agonist in neuropathic pain models in mice.

Previous studies suggest that adenosine A receptors (AR) modulate the processing of pain. The aim of this study was to characterize the distribution of AR in nociceptive tissues and to evaluate whether targeting AR with the partial agonist capadenoson may reduce neuropathic pain in mice. The cellular distribution of AR in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the spinal cord was analyzed using fluorescent in situ hybridization.

Functional Coupling of Slack Channels and P2X3 Receptors Contributes to Neuropathic Pain Processing.

The sodium-activated potassium channel Slack (K1.1, Slo2.2, or Kcnt1) is highly expressed in populations of sensory neurons, where it mediates the sodium-activated potassium current (I) and modulates neuronal activity.