GDNF induces mechanical hyperalgesia in muscle by reducing IBK in isolectin B4-positive nociceptors

► Glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) causes mechanical hyperalgesia in muscle. ► We used behavioral techniques and electrophysiology to study rat muscle nociceptive neurons. ► GDNF (200 ng/ml) altered action potential duration and reduced BK channel currents. ► A BK channel blocker induced mechanical hyperalgesia, and increased nociceptor firing in vivo. ► GDNF inhibits BK channel currents to cause mechanical hyperalgesia in muscle.