Calcium channels and calcium channel antagonists

Abstract

Changes in free intracellular Ca²⁺ levels provide signals that allow nerve and muscle cells to respond to a host of external stimuli. A major mechanism for elevating the level of intracellular Ca²⁺ is the influx of extracellular Ca²⁺ through voltage‐dependent channels in the cell membrane. Recent research has yielded new insights into the physiological properties, molecular structure, biochemical regulation, and functional heterogeneity of voltage‐dependent Ca²⁺ channels. In addition, Ca²⁺ channel antagonist drugs have been developed that are valuable both as probes of channel structure and function and as therapeutic agents. Preliminary evidence suggests that these drugs may be useful in the treatment of diverse neurological disorders, including headache, subarachnoid hemorrhage, stroke, and epilepsy.