title: Pharmacological modulation of ion channels and transporters.
abstract: Ion channels and transporter proteins are prerequisites for formation and conduction of cardiac electrical impulses. Acting in concert, these proteins maintain cellular Na(+) and Ca(2+) homeostasis. Since intracellular Ca(2+) concentration determines contractile activation, we expect the majority of agents that modulate activity of ion channels and transporters not only to influence cellular action potentials but also contractile force. Drugs which block ion channels usually possess antiarrhythmic properties, those inhibiting the Na(+) pump have predominantly inotropic effects and those affecting Na(+),Ca(2+)- or Na(+),H(+)-exchanger protect against ischaemic cell damage. However, irrespective of their primary indication, all compounds targeted against ion channels and transporter proteins possess potential proarrhythmic activity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical University of Szeged, Dóm Tér 12, H-6701 Szeged, Hungary.
authors.forename: Ursula
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Ravens
authors.forename: Erich
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wettwer
authors.forename: Ottó
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Hála
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D015640:Ion Channel Gating / Q000187:drug effects*; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D049990:Membrane Transport Modulators; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D032383:Myocytes, Cardiac / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D007473:Ion Channels; D049990:Membrane Transport Modulators; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins