Voltage-gated sodium channels in neurological disorders.

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Mohamed Chahine; Chatelier, Aurélien; Babich, Olga; Krupp, Johannes J

Source:

CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets, Volume 7, Issue 2, p.144-58 (2008)

Keywords:

Alternative Splicing, Animals, Epilepsy, Humans, Ion Channel Gating, Mental Disorders, Migraine Disorders, Nervous System Diseases, Pain, Sodium Channel Blockers, Sodium Channels, Subcellular Fractions, Toxins, Biological

Abstract:

<p>Voltage-gated sodium channels play an essential biophysical role in many excitable cells such as neurons. They transmit electrical signals through action potential (AP) generation and propagation in the peripheral (PNS) and central nervous systems (CNS). Each sodium channel is formed by one alpha-subunit and one or more beta-subunits. There is growing evidence indicating that mutations, changes in expression, or inappropriate modulation of these channels can lead to electrical instability of the cell membrane and inappropriate spontaneous activity observed during pathological states. This review describes the biochemical, biophysical and pharmacological properties of neuronal voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC) and their implication in several neurological disorders.</p>