Abstract

LOZANO JIMENEZ, Yenny Yolanda  and  SANCHEZ MORA, Ruth Mélida. Calcium channels as a pharmacological target. Nova [online]. 2020, vol.18, n.34, pp.57-76.  Epub Jan 04, 2021. ISSN 1794-2470.  https://doi.org/10.22490/24629448.3926.

Calcium channels are membrane proteins that constitute the most important route for the entry of the calcium ion (Ca2+) into the cell. When opened, they allow selective ion entrance, starting a variety of processes such as muscular contraction, endocrine secretion and neurotransmitters release, among others. These proteins are classified in three categories according to their structural and functional properties: (i) Receptor-operated calcium channels (ROCC), (ii) Channels activated by physical parameters (Transient Receptor Potential or TRP-channels) and (iii) Voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs), the latter being the most studied due to its presence in excitable cells. Given the importance of Ca2+ in the cellular physiology, the calcium channels constitute targets for pharmacological action for multiple treatments, and therefore, they are object of study for the development of new medicaments. The objective of this review is to explain the importance of the channels of Ca2+ from a pharmacological projection, by exploring the articles published, bearing in mind topics related to the structure of the channels Ca2+, properties of their biophysics, cellular location, functioning and their pharmacological interaction.

Keywords : Receiver; ligand; Voltage; depolarization; potential; ion channel; calcium channel; calcium channel blockers.

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