Up-regulation of class A Ca2+ channels in trigeminal ganglion after pulp exposure.

We have studied changes in the level of calcium channel expression in the cell bodies of neurons located in the maxillary division of the trigeminal ganglion following induction of persistent pulpitis by pulp exposure in the right maxillary molars. Using anti-peptide antibodies to the alpha1 subunit of class A (P-/Q-type) voltage-gated calcium channels, we observed slight increases in the expression level three days following surgery and approximately 4 fold increase by eight days following the lesion. These changes in the expression of the alpha1 subunit of class A calcium channels may have functional implications in the responses of nociceptive neurons to chronic inflammation.