Abstract
Voltage-activated calcium channels regulate the intracellular calcium concentration and contribute thereby to calcium signalling in numerous cell types. These channels are widely distributed in the animal kingdom and are an essential part of many excitable and non-excitable mammalian cells. The opening of these channels is primarily regulated by the membrane potential, but is also modulated by a wide variety of hormones, protein kinases, protein phosphatases, toxins and drugs. Site-directed mutagenesis has identified sites on these channels, which interact specifically with other proteins, inhibitors and ions. This article will focus on these recent developments. The older findings have been summarized in several excellent reviews (Striessnig et al. 1993; Hofmann et al. 1994; Catterall 1995; De Waard et al. 1996a).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
