Contribution of T‐type calcium channel isoforms to cold and mechanical sensitivity in naïve and oxaliplatin‐treated mice of both sexes

Background and Purpose The chemotherapy agent oxaliplatin can give rise to oxaliplatin‐induced peripheral neuropathy (OIPN). Here, we investigated whether T‐type calcium channels (Ca v 3) contribute to OIPN. Experimental Approach We chronically treated mice with oxaliplatin and assessed pain responses and changes in expression of Ca v 3.2 calcium channels. We also tested the effects of T‐type channel blockers on cold sensitivity in wild‐type and Ca v 3.2 null mice. Key Results Oxaliplatin treatment led to mechanical and cold hypersensitivity in male and female mice. Mechanical hypersensitivity persisted in Ca v 3.2 null mice of both sexes. Intraperitoneal or intrathecal delivery of pan T‐type channel inhibitors attenuated mechanical hypersensitivity in wild‐type but not Ca v 3.2 null mice. Remarkably cold hypersensitivity occurred in female but not male Ca v 3.2 null mice even without oxaliplatin treatment. Unexpectedly, intrathecal, intraplantar or intraperitoneal delivery of T‐type channel inhibitors Z944 or TTA‐P2 transiently induced cold hypersensitivity in both male and female wild‐type mice. Acute knockdown of specific Ca v 3 isoforms revealed that the depletion of Ca v 3.1 in males and depletion of either Ca v 3.1 or Ca v 3.2 in females triggered cold hypersensitivity. Finally, reducing Ca v 3.2 expression by disrupting the interactions between Ca v 3.2 and the deubiquitinase USP5 with the small organic molecule II‐2 reversed oxaliplatin‐induced mechanical and cold hypersensitivity and importantly did not trigger cold allodynia. Conclusion and Implications Altogether, our data indicate that T‐type channels differentially contribute to the regulation of cold and mechanical hypersensitivity, and raise the possibility that T‐type channel blockers could promote cold allodynia.