T-type Ca2+ channels as therapeutic targets in the nervous system

Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2008 Feb;8(1):33-41. doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2007.12.003. Epub 2008 Jan 18.

Abstract

Low-voltage-activated calcium channels, also known as T-type calcium channels, are widely expressed in various types of neurons. In contrast to high-voltage-activated calcium channels which can be activated by a strong depolarization of membrane potential, T-type channels can be activated by a weak depolarization near the resting membrane potential once deinactivated by hyperpolarization, and therefore can regulate the excitability and electroresponsiveness of neurons under physiological conditions near resting states. Recently, the molecular diversity and functional multiplicity of T-type channels have been demonstrated through molecular genetic studies coupled with physiological and behavioral analysis. Understanding the functional consequences of modulation of each subtype of these channels in vivo could point to the right direction for developing therapeutic tools for relevant diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / therapeutic use*
  • Calcium Channels, T-Type / drug effects
  • Calcium Channels, T-Type / physiology*
  • Cerebral Cortex / physiology
  • Epilepsy, Absence / drug therapy*
  • Epilepsy, Absence / etiology
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Pain / drug therapy*
  • Pain / etiology
  • Sleep / physiology
  • Spinal Cord / physiology
  • Thalamus / physiology

Substances

  • CACNA1G protein, human
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Calcium Channels, T-Type