Figure 8.

Proposed model demonstrating the functional coupling of Slack channels and P2X3 receptors in IB4-positive sensory neurons. Activation of P2X3 receptors by ATP may lead to an influx of Na⁺, Ca²⁺, or both into sensory neurons. (A) P2X3-mediated Na⁺ influx activates Slack, which results in K⁺ efflux and thus partial inhibition of neuronal activity. (B) P2X3-mediated Ca²⁺ influx inhibits Slack, which leads to increased neuronal activity due to the lack of inhibition.