Synaptic Conversion of Chloride-Dependent Synapses in Spinal Nociceptive Circuits: Roles in Neuropathic Pain

Figure 1

Ohm's law for a chloride current in a postsynaptic membrane. Total synaptic current for chloride, 𝐼_Cl, is the summation of chloride currents flowing through individual chloride channels. The total driving potential Δ for chloride (see (1)) is given by [𝑉_𝑚−𝐸_Cl]. Chloride channelopathies (i.e., mutation of chloride channels) alter the ionic conductance of individual chloride channels, 𝑔_Cl, thus producing pathological chloride currents. Pathological changes in the Nernst potential for chloride (i.e., chloride-opathies) can also produce aberrant chloride currents. Aberrations in 𝐸_Cl can result from pathological changes in either intracellular or extracellular chloride concentration.