Are sensory neurons exquisitely sensitive to interleukin 1β

Abstract Peripheral nerve injury frequently evokes chronic neuropathic pain. This is initiated by a transient inflammatory response that leads to persistent excitation of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons by inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1β (IL-1β). In non-neuronal cells such as lymphocytes, interleukin 1 exerts actions at attomolar (aM; 10−18 M) concentrations. We now report that DRG neurons in defined-medium, neuron-enriched culture display increased excitability following 5–6 d exposure of 1aM IL-1β. This response is mediated in part by type 1 interleukin receptors and involves decreased function of putative KCa1.1 channels. This finding provides new insights into the neuroimmune interactions responsible for neuropathic pain.