Abstract
Ion channels are molecular machines that serve as principal integrating and regulatory devices for the control of cellular excitability. They are also major targets for drug action. The basic aspects of ion channel structure and pharmacological control are reviewed and illustrated with specific reference to a major class of therapeutic agents and molecular tools--the clinically available Ca2+ channel antagonists.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Calcium Channel Blockers / adverse effects
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Calcium Channel Blockers / chemistry
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Calcium Channel Blockers / pharmacology*
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Calcium Channels / chemistry
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Calcium Channels / physiology*
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Forecasting
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Humans
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In Vitro Techniques
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Ion Channel Gating
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Ion Channels / classification
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Ion Channels / physiology*
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Membrane Potentials
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Models, Biological
Substances
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Calcium Channel Blockers
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Calcium Channels
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Ion Channels