Pharmacology of Ionic Channel Function: Activators and Inhibitors [Hardcover]

Cells maintain uneven distribution of Na, K and Ca ions across the cell membrane and membranes of intracellular organellae. Cells exert their functions by allowing for some ion to cross the membrane through ion channels which either produces an electrical effect across the membrane or switches on a series of chemical or physicochemical reactions. This is a comprehensive book about these vitally important ion channels with detailed description of the molecular structure and function and especially of activators and inhibitors. All chapters are written by renowned specialists in their field.With contributions by numerous expertsCells maintain uneven distribution of Na, K and Ca ions across the cell membrane and membranes of intracellular organellae. Cells exert their functions by allowing for some ion to cross the membrane through ion channels which either produces an electrical effect across the membrane or switches on a series of chemical or physicochemical reactions. This is a comprehensive book about these vitally important ion channels with detailed description of the molecular structure and function and especially of activators and inhibitors. All chapters are written by renowned specialists in their field.Sect.I: Voltage-Dependent Ion Channels A. Voltage-Dependent Na Channels. 1. Structure and functions of Voltage-Dependent Na+ Channels. 2. Sodium Channel Blockers and Activators. B. Voltage-Dependent Ca-Channels. 3. Classification and Function of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels. 4. Structure of the Voltage-Dependent L-Type Calcium Channels. 5. Ca2+ Channel Antagonists and Agonists. C. Voltage-Dependent K-Channels. 6. Overview of Potassium Channel Families: Molecular Bases of the Functional Diversity. 7. Pharmacology of Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels. 8. Voltage-Gated Calcium-Modulated Potassium Channels of Large Unitary Conductance: Structure, Diversity, and Pharmacology. 9. Classical Inward Rectifying Potassium Channels: Mechanisms of Inward Rectification. 10l£§