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Cav3 channels play an important role in modulating chronic pain. However, less is known about the functional changes of Cav3 channels in superficial spinal dorsal horn in neuropathic pain states. Here, we examined the effect of partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL) on either expression or electrophysiological properties of Cav3 channels in superficial spinal dorsal horn. Our in vivo studies showed that the blockers of Cav3 channels robustly alleviated PSNL-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, which lasted at least 14 days following PSNL. Meanwhile, PSNL triggered an increase in both mRNA and protein levels of Cav3.2 but not Cav3.1 or Cav3.3 in rats. However, in Cav3.2 knockout mice, PSNL predominantly attenuated mechanical allodynia but not thermal hyperalgesia. In addition, the results of whole-cell patch-clamp recordings showed that both the overall proportion of Cav3 current-expressing neurons and the Cav3 current density in individual neurons were elevated in spinal lamina II neurons from PSNL rats, which could not be recapitulated in Cav3.2 knockout mice. Altogether, our findings reveal that the elevated functional Cav3.2 channels in superficial spinal dorsal horn may contribute to the mechanical allodynia in PSNL-induced neuropathic pain model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To date, cheek reconstruction remains a challenge for plastic surgeons. This report presents the authors' cheek reconstruction technique with different types of hatchet-skin flaps, which provides satisfactory results. Methods: The cheek area was divided into three parts (P1, P2, and P3), with vertical lines passing through the medial and lateral canthus. Different types of hatchet-skin flaps were used to repair the tissue defects in each part. The study population consisted of 29 patients divided into three groups according to the location of the defect (G1, G2, and G3). Patient satisfaction was evaluated 1 year after the operation using a questionnaire concerning five important aspects: color match, texture match, scar visibility, morbidity, and function. Results: The 29 patients (17 men and 12 women) ranged in age from 19 to 81 years. The sizes of the defects ranged from 1.5 × 1.5 to 2.5 × 3.5 cm. All the flaps survived. The patients' ages and defect sizes did not differ between the three groups. The mean rating of each evaluation was high in all three groups. The mean rating for scar visibility on a 5-point scale was significantly lower for G1 than for G3. Conclusion: The hatchet-skin flap procedure is a versatile technique for the repair of medium defects in the three parts of the cheek. The defects in each part of the cheek should be repaired separately depending on the characteristics of the natural lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]