Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel (Peripheral) (VGSC (Peripheral))

Peripheral voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are essential transmembrane proteins responsible for the initiation and propagation of action potentials in excitable cells, including peripheral neurons. These channels enable rapid influx of Na⁺ ions in response to membrane depolarization, which is fundamental for neuronal excitability and signal transmission. Several subtypes—especially NaV1.7, NaV1.8, and NaV1.9—are predominantly found in peripheral sensory neurons where they play critical roles in pain signaling and other sensory modalities. They are composed of a large α-subunit (~260 kDa), which forms the functional core of the channel, often associated with smaller β-subunits (30–40 kDa) that modulate channel properties.

Other names

Peripheral Voltage-Gated Sodium ChannelsPeripheral Sodium ChannelsNaV Channels (Peripheral)Voltage-Dependent Sodium Channels (Peripheral)

Blockade of sodium ion influx