title: alpha2delta and the mechanism of action of gabapentin in the treatment of pain.
abstract: Gabapentin is a drug that has been widely used in the treatment of chronic pain states. Despite its widespread usage, it is only recently that light has been shed on the mechanism of action of this agent. In the current review, the authors document the pharmacological, biochemical and molecular information that has led to the identification of the alpha2delta1 auxilliary subunit of voltage gated calcium channels as the target for this drug's actions.
authors.affiliation: Cambridge Biotechnology Ltd., Biovitrum AB, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB2 4AT, UK.
authors.forename: Y P
authors.initials: YP
authors.lastname: Maneuf
authors.forename: Z D
authors.initials: ZD
authors.lastname: Luo
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000588:Amines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000700:Analgesics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism; D015220:Calcium Channels / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018757:GABA Modulators / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011859:Radiography; D051381:Rats; D013552:Swine; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000588:Amines; D000700:Analgesics; D015220:Calcium Channels; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D018757:GABA Modulators; C494035:voltage gated calcium channel subunit Ca alpha2delta-1, human; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin