Imiquimod Enhances Excitability of Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons by Inhibiting Background (K_2P) and Voltage-Gated (K_v1.1 and K_v1.2) Potassium Channels

Abstract

Our results demonstrate that IQ blocks the voltage-gated K(+) channels to increase AP duration and K(2P) channels to increase membrane resistance, which are critical for the membrane excitability of DRG neurons. Therefore, we propose that IQ enhances the excitability of DRG neurons by blocking multiple potassium channels and causing pruritus.