Voltage-sensitive Ca2+ (CaV) channels are the primary route of depolarization-induced Ca2+ entry in neurons and other excitable cells, leading to an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). The resulting increase in [Ca2+]i activates a wide range of Ca2+-dependent processes in neurons, including neurotransmitter release, gene transcription, activation of Ca2+-dependent enzymes, and activation of certain K+ channels and chloride channels. In addition to their key roles under physiological conditions, CaV channels are also an important target of alcohol, and alcohol-induced changes in Ca2+ signaling can disturb neuronal homeostasis, Ca2+-mediated gene transcription, and the function of neuronal circuits, leading to various neurological and/or neuropsychiatric symptoms and disorders, including alcohol withdrawal induced–seizures and alcoholism.
CITATION STYLE
N’Gouemo, P. (2018). Voltage-Sensitive Calcium Channels in the Brain: Relevance to Alcohol Intoxication and Withdrawal. In Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology (Vol. 248, pp. 263–280). Springer New York LLC. https://doi.org/10.1007/164_2018_93
Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.