Could Cone Snail Venom Treat Neuropathic Pain in Humans?

Researchers from RMIT University in Melbourne have discovered that the venom from marine cone snails that's used to immobilize prey could act as a painkiller in mammals.

The findings show that the analgesic powers of the naturally occurring toxin could lead to the development of synthetic forms of Vc1.1, which works to inhibit pain and could be used to prevent certain types of neuropathic pain specifically occurring in humans., according to a press release.

As neuropathic pain typically occurs as a result of injury with chronic after affects, it can have particularly debilitating effects on the nervous system. The issue is also often associated with changes in the transmission of signals between neurons, determined by several types of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs).

However, researchers also note that with the importance of VGCCs in creating normal neurotransmission, using them as a pharmacological target against neuropathic pain could also result in unwanted side effects.

Previous studies have shown that Vc1.1 acted against neuropathic pain in mice. However, researchers found that rather than acting directly to block VGCCs, Vc1.1 works through GABA type B receptors to inhibit N-type channels, according to the release.

Adams and colleagues have now found that Vc1.1 also work through GABAB receptors to inhibit mysterious class of neuronal VGCCs that have been implicated in pain signally but not well understood.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via The Journal of General Physiology.