Key result
Calcium-channel modulators require reclassification for neurological disorders due to distinct pharmacological properties in brain cells.
Highlights the pharmacological differences between neuronal and peripheral calcium channels, emphasizing the need for specific characterization of calcium-channel modulators for neurological applications.
Supports neurology-specific calcium-channel development; leaves open reclassification of existing agents before clinical adoption.
Recent investigations of calcium channels in brain cells by voltage-clamp techniques have revealed that, in spite of electrophysiological similarities, the pharmacological properties of these channels differ considerably from channels in peripheral tissues, e.g., heart and smooth muscle. Therefore, instead of extrapolation from results obtained on cardiac or smooth muscle cells, a reclassification of calcium-channel modulators applied in disorders of the brain appears necessary. The present article reviews some pertinent observations from groups involved in neuronal calcium-channel characterization and draws the attention to major pharmacological differences on neurons in comparison to those in the heart and in smooth muscle. For certain therapeutic applications in neurology particularly, the low-voltage activated types of calcium channels deserve considerable attention
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Peters et al. (1991) conducted a review in Neurological Disorders. Calcium-channel modulators was evaluated. Pharmacological properties of calcium channels in brain cells differ considerably from those in peripheral tissues, necessitating a reclassification of calcium-channel modulators for neurological disorders.
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