Overview
- Jia, C. et al. (2011) Pharmacology 87, 297.
Alomone Labs QO-40 enhances KCNQ2/KCNQ3 heteromeric channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes.A. Time course of KCNQ2/KCNQ3 current enhancement by 40 and 100 µM QO-40 (#Q-265). Currents were elicited by application of voltage step from a holding potential of -100 mV to -60 mV (800 msec). B. Superimposed example traces of current responses before and during perfusion of 40 and 100 µM QO-40, as indicated.
QO-40 potently enhances KCNQ channels. It has the ability to decrease the firing of overactive neurons. In medicine, this compound is being used for the treatment of epilepsy and neuropathic pain. In a study conducted on Chinese hamster ovary cells, QO-40 managed to shift the half-maximal activation voltage in the hyperpolarizing direction in a concentration-dependent manner1. QO-40 demonstrates EC50 value of approximately 7 µM on cloned channels and on native M-currents expressed in dorsal root ganglia neurons1.
The voltage-gated M-type potassium channels of the KV7 family encoded by the KCNQ gene family, plays an important role in controlling neuronal excitability. KCNQ gene family seems to affect migraine and neuropathic pain. Several recent studies have shown that genetic mutations in KCNQ channel can lead to neonatal epilepsy in humans and mice.
KCNQ channels are expressed in the sensory system including the trigeminal ganglion neurons and dorsal root ganglion2,3.
