Steven Evans M1 Author

Research Article Open Access

Polidocanol Inhibits Voltage-Gated Sodium Currents

Author(s):

Steven Evans M1*, Benton Maglinger G2, Matthew Gayhart G3, Krishnakanth Madireddy N1 and Stephen Johnson R4

Background: Polidocanol is used as a sclerosing agent for varicose and spider veins. Its presumed mechanism of action is endothelial cytotoxicity, but it was originally developed as an anesthetic, and also has antipruritic and antitussive effects. The mechanism of action of local anesthetics is inhibition of voltagegated sodium (Na+) channels. We asked whether polidocanol, like local anesthetics, inhibits voltage-gated sodium currents. Methods: We used whole cell voltage clamp recording to test polidocanol effects on Na+ currents, and trypan blue exclusion to assess cytotoxicity in catecholamine A differentiated (CAD) and N1E-115 cell lines. Results: Polidocanol at concentrations of 1 to 10 micromolar strongly inhibited voltage-gated Na+ currents, a potency similar to that of local anes... view more»

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