Role of Na1.7 in Postganglionic Sympathetic Nerve Function in Human and Guinea-pig Arteries

Na1.7 plays a crucial role in inducing and conducting action potentials in pain-transducing sensory nociceptor fibres, suggesting that Na1.7 blockers could be effective non-opioid analgesics. While SCN9A is expressed in both sensory and autonomic neurons, its functional role in the autonomic system remains less established. Our single neuron rt-PCR analysis revealed that 82% of sympathetic neurons isolated from guinea-pig stellate ganglia expressed Na1.7 mRNA, with Na1.3 being the only other tetrodotoxin-sensitive channel expressed in approximately 50% of neurons. We investigated the role of Na1.7 in conducting action potentials in postganglionic sympathetic nerves and in the sympathetic adrenergic contractions of blood vessels using selective Na1.7 inhibitors. Two highly selective Na1.7 blockers, GNE8493 and PF 05089771, significantly inhibited postganglionic compound action potentials by approximately 70% (P < 0.01), with residual activity being blocked by the Na1.3 inhibitor, ICA 121431. Electrical field stimulation (EFS) induced rapid contractions in guinea-pig isolated aorta, pulmonary arteries, and human isolated pulmonary arteries via stimulation of intrinsic nerves, which were inhibited by prazosin or the Na1 blocker tetrodotoxin. Our results demonstrated that blocking Na1.7 with GNE8493, PF 05089771, or ST2262 abolished or strongly inhibited sympathetic adrenergic responses in guinea-pigs and human vascular smooth muscle. These findings support the hypothesis that pharmacologically inhibiting Na1.7 could potentially reduce sympathetic and parasympathetic function in specific vascular beds and airways. KEY POINTS: 82% of sympathetic neurons isolated from the stellate ganglion predominantly express Na1.7 mRNA. Na1.7 blockers inhibit action potential conduction in postganglionic sympathetic nerves. Na1.7 blockade substantially inhibits sympathetic nerve-mediated adrenergic contractions in human and guinea-pig blood vessels. Pharmacologically blocking Na1.7 profoundly affects sympathetic and parasympathetic responses in addition to sensory fibres, prompting exploration into the broader physiological consequences of Na1.7 mutations on autonomic nerve activity.