Modulation of the activity of dopaminergic neurons by SK channels: a potential target for the treatment of Parkinson's disease?
SK channels are small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels that are widely expressed in different neurons with distinct subtypes. They play an important role in modulating synaptic plasticity, dopaminergic neurotransmission, and learning and memory. The present review was mainly focused on the recent findings on the contradictory roles of SK channels in modulating dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra and in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Besides, whether modulation of SK channels could be a potential target for PD treatment was also discussed.
Liu
Xiao-Kun
XK
Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Rui Jin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
Wang
Gang
G
Chen
Sheng-Di
SD
D000818:Animals; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism*; D051640:Small-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*
D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D051640:Small-Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels; D004298:Dopamine