Sodium channel mediating the voltage-dependent sodium ion permeability of excitable membranes. Assuming opened or closed conformations in response to the voltage difference across the membrane, the protein forms a sodium-selective channel through which sodium ions may pass in accordance with their electrochemical gradient (  , ). Involved in membrane depolarization during action potential in nociceptors which function as key relay stations for the electrical transmission of pain signals from the periphery to the central nervous system ( , ). Also involved in rapid BDNF-evoked neuronal depolarization .
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane
Expressed in the dorsal root ganglia and trigeminal ganglia, olfactory bulb, hippocampus, cerebellar cortex, spinal cord, spleen, small intestine and placenta.