Astrocytes, as well as neurons, express a diversity of ion channels

1992 ◽  
Vol 70 (S1) ◽  
pp. S223-S238 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Sontheimer
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channels ◽  
Ion Channel ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Regional Heterogeneity ◽  
The Past ◽  
Channel Expression ◽  
Cell Processes ◽  
Ion Channel Development ◽  
The Brain

The electrophysiologist's view of brain astrocytes has changed markedly in recent years. In the past astrocytes were viewed as passive, K+ selective cells, but it is now evident that they are capable of expressing voltage- and ligand-activated channels previously thought to be restricted to neurons. The functional importance of most of these ion channels is not understood at present. However, from studies of astrocytes cultured from different species and brain regions, we learned that like their neuronal counterparts astrocytes are a heterogeneous group of brain cells showing similar heterogeneity in their ion-channel expression. Not only are subpopulations of astrocytes within areas of the brain equipped with specific sets of ion channels but, furthermore, regional heterogeneity is apparent. In addition, astrocyte ion channel expression is dynamic and changes during development. Some ion channels are only expressed postnatally, yet others appear to be expressed only during certain stages of development. Interestingly, the expression of some astrocyte channels, including Na+, Ca2+, and some K+ channels, appears to be controlled by neurons via mechanisms that are presently unknown. Some studies suggest roles for astrocyte channels in basic cell processes such as cell proliferation. Thus, although the role of some astrocyte channels remains unclear, our understanding of astrocyte physiology is starting to take shape and points towards roles of ion channels not involved in electrogenesis.Key words: astrocyte, ion channel, development, review, transmitter receptor.

Myrsinane and related diterpenes from Euphorbia falcata with selective potassium ion channel activity

Planta Medica ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 81 (16) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Vasas ◽  
P Orvos ◽  
L Tálosi ◽  
P Forgo ◽  
G Pinke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channel ◽  
Potassium Ion ◽  
Channel Activity ◽  
Potassium Ion Channel

Ion channel alterations and epilepsy in mice and man

2005 ◽  
Vol 36 (02) ◽  
Author(s):  
CM Becker ◽  
J Brill ◽  
K Becker
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channel

Ion Channel Remodelling in Atrial Fibrillation

2011 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niels Voigt ◽  
Dobromir Dobrev ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ion Channel ◽  
Antiarrhythmic Drugs ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Bleeding Complications ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Cardiovascular Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and is associated with substantial cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with stroke being the most critical complication. Present drugs used for the therapy of AF (antiarrhythmics and anticoagulants) have major limitations, including incomplete efficacy, risks of life-threatening proarrhythmic events and bleeding complications. Non-pharmacological ablation procedures are efficient and apparently safe, but the very large size of the patient population allows ablation treatment of only a small number of patients. These limitations largely result from limited knowledge about the underlying mechanisms of AF and there is a hope that a better understanding of the molecular basis of AF may lead to the discovery of safer and more effective therapeutic targets. This article reviews the current knowledge about AF-related ion-channel remodelling and discusses how these alterations might affect the efficacy of antiarrhythmic drugs.

Upscaling and Automation of Electrophysiology: Toward High Throughput Screening in Ion Channel Drug Discovery

2003 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-58
Author(s):  
Margit Asmild ◽  
Nicholas Oswald ◽  
Karen M. Krzywkowski ◽  
Søren Friis ◽  
Rasmus B. Jacobsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Discovery ◽  
Ion Channel ◽  
High Throughput ◽  
High Throughput Screening
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document