Potassium channels as anti-epileptic drug targets.
It is estimated that up to 30% of epilepsy patients are poorly treated with available anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Thus, there is a medical need for new AEDs with novel mechanisms of action to serve as alternate or adjunct therapy for the treatment of drug-resistant or refractory epilepsy. One potential anti-epileptic mechanism that has not yet been exploited is K(+) channel opening. Considerable genetic, molecular, physiological and pharmacological evidence now exists to support a role for K(+) channels such as KCNQ2/Q3, Kv1.1, KATP and GIRK2 in the control of neuronal excitability and epileptogenesis. Evidence supporting these K(+) channels as novel AED targets will be reviewed in the following article.
Wickenden
Alan D
AD
Icagen Inc, Suite 460, 4222 Emperor Boulevard, Durham, NC 27703, USA. awickenden@icagen.com
D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000502:physiology*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D015221:Potassium Channels