['We have previously shown that a decrease of inward Ca(2+) flux (I(Ca)) across the sensory neuron plasmalemma, such as happens after axotomy, increases neuronal excitability. From this, we predicted that increasing I(Ca) in injured neurons should correct their hyperexcitability.', 'The influence of increased or decreased I(Ca) upon membrane biophysical variables and excitability was determined during recording from A-type neurons in nondissociated dorsal root ganglia after spinal nerve ligation using an intracellular recording technique.', 'When the bath Ca(2+) level was increased to promote I(Ca), the after-hyperpolarization was decreased and repetitive firing was suppressed, which also followed amplification of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) current with selective agents NS1619 and NS309. A decreased external bath Ca(2+) concentration had the opposite effects, similar to previous observations in uninjured neurons.'] Does restoration of calcium influx correct membrane hyperexcitability in injured rat dorsal root ganglion neurons?