Expression of Acid-Sensing Ion Channel 3 in Afferents Averts Long-Term Sensitization and the Development of Visceral Pain

Sensitization of primary afferents is essential for the development of pain, but the molecular events involved in this process and its reversal are poorly defined. Recent studies revealed that acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) control the excitability of nociceptors in the urinary bladder. Using genetic and pharmacological tools we show that ASICs are functionally coupled with voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels to mediate Ca²⁺ transients evoked by acidification in sensory neurons. Genetic deletion of <i>Asic3</i> of these sensory neurons does not alter the mechanical response of bladder afferents to distension in naïve mice. Both control and sensory neuron conditional <i>Asic3</i> knockout (<i>Asic3</i>-KO) mice with chemical cystitis induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP) administration exhibit frequent low volume voiding events. However, these changes are transient and revert over time. Of major significance, in <i>Asic3</i>-KO mice, CYP treatment results in the sensitization of a subset of bladder afferents and pelvic allodynia that persist beyond the resolution of the inflammatory process. Thus, ASICs function is necessary to prevent long-term sensitization of visceral nociceptors.