Role of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels in neuropathic pain: a proof-of-concept study of ivabradine in patients with chronic peripheral neuropathic pain.

Introduction: Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) ion channels mediate repetitive action potential firing in the heart and nervous system. The HCN2 isoform is expressed in nociceptors, and preclinical studies suggest a critical role in neuropathic pain. Ivabradine is a nonselective HCN blocker currently available for prescription for cardiac indications.