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Voltage-gated K⁺ channels (Kv) in primary sensory neurons are important for regulation of neuronal excitability. The dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons are heterogeneous, and the types of native Kv currents in different groups of nociceptive DRG neurons are not fully known. In this study, we determined the difference in the A-type Kv current and its influence on the firing properties between isolectin B₄ (IB₄)-positive and -negative DRG neurons. Whole cell voltage- and current-clamp recordings were performed on acutely dissociated small DRG neurons of rats. The total Kv current density was significantly higher in IB₄-positive than that in IB₄-negative neurons. Also, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) produced a significantly greater reduction in Kv currents in IB₄-positive than in IB₄-negative neurons. In contrast, IB₄-negative neurons exhibited a larger proportion of tetraethylammonium-sensitive Kv currents. Furthermore, IB₄ …