ClC-3 regulates the excitability of nociceptive neurons and is involved in inflammatory processes within the spinal sensory pathway

ClC-3 Cl(–)/H(+) exchangers are expressed in multiple endosomal compartments and likely modify intra-endosomal pH and [Cl(–)] via the stoichiometrically coupled exchange of two Cl(–) ions and one H(+). We studied pain perception in Clcn3(–/–) mice and found that ClC-3 not only modifies the electrical activity of peripheral nociceptors but is also involved in inflammatory processes in the spinal cord. We demonstrate that ClC-3 regulates the number of Na(v) and K(v) ion channels in the plasma membrane of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and that these changes impair the age-dependent decline in excitability of sensory neurons. To distinguish the role of ClC-3 in Cl(–)/H(+) exchange from its other functions in pain perception, we used mice homozygous for the E281Q ClC-3 point mutation (Clcn3(E281Q/E281Q)), which completely eliminates transport activity. Since ClC-3 forms heterodimers with ClC-4, we crossed these animals with Clcn4(–/–) to obtain mice completely lacking in ClC-3-associated endosomal chloride–proton transport. The electrical properties of Clcn3(E281Q/E281Q)/Clcn4(–/–) DRG neurons were similar to those of wild-type cells, indicating that the age-dependent adjustment of neuronal excitability is independent of ClC-3 transport activity. Both Clcn3(–/–) and Clcn3(E281Q/E281Q)/Clcn4(–/–) animals exhibited microglial activation in the spinal cord, demonstrating that competent ClC-3 transport is needed to maintain glial cell homeostasis. Our findings illustrate how reduced Cl(–)/H(+) exchange contributes to inflammatory responses and demonstrate a role for ClC-3 in the homeostatic regulation of neuronal excitability beyond its function in endosomal ion balance.