Abstract:Summary Aim: The hyperpolarization activated current(I h) channel plays an important role in the firing neuron action potential. In the present study we explore the role of I h in the production of inflammation induced hyperalgesia. Metholds: Complete Freund's adjuvent (CFA) induced arthritic rat modelwas used to study the I h channel characteristics in DRG cells by appling whole cell current clamp and voltage clamp techniques. Results: No significant differences were found between the arthritic rats and the control rats in the reversal potential and current density of the DRG cells, suggesting that the structure and amount of I h channel remained the same in arthritic rats. However, the half activated potential (V 1/2 ) became more positive, demonstrating an enhanced I h channel activity. The current clamp recordings in cells expressing I h current revealed a wider action potential (AP) and increased action potential frequency. Conclusion: The widening of AP and increase in AP frequency may cause abnormal AP firing in the primary afferent and increase the release of neurotransmitter in the DRG cell's central and peripheral terminals, resulting in an inflammatory hyperalgesia. Key words Inflammatory hyperalgesia; DRG; I h channel; Action potentialery and the prognosis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods We studied retrospectively 58 cases of hilar cholangiocarcinoma which entered our department between June 1987 and October 1998. The postoperative liver functional recovery and mortality and morbidity between unilateral ( n =27) and bilateral ( n =31) bile duct drainage groups were compared. Results The liver function in bilateral drainage group was nearly normal within 6 weeks after operation. The ALb level of unilateral drainaged patients recovered gradually to normal after operation, and the TBIL and ALT decrease nearly to the normal range within 6 weeks after operation. The AKP decreased within 2 postoperative weeks, then steadily increased. The differences of perioperative complication rate and mortality of the two groups showed no significance. Conclusion The data showed that the liver function can recover to some extent by unilateral bile duct drainage, and unilateral drainage operations are the choice for hilar cholangiocarcinoma that can not be excised now.