Abstract: In response to changes in membrane potential, voltage-gated calcium channels mediate the influx of calcium ions into many types of excitable and nonexcitable cells. Calcium flux subsequently regulates crucial physiological functions, including neurotransmitter release, muscle contraction, calcium-dependent enzyme and protein modulation, cell growth and differentiation, neuronal excitability, and calcium-dependent gene transcription. The aberrant elevation of intracellular calcium levels through altered calcium channel function is related to a variety of serious human pathophysiological conditions, including cardiovascular disease, muscle disorders, acute and chronic pain, epilepsy, cerebellar ataxia, migraine, mood disorders, and certain types of cancer. To date, clinical agents blocking specific calcium channel subtypes have proven highly beneficial for the treatment of certain cardiovascular and neurological conditions.
Publication Year: 2009
Publication Date: 2009-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 5
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