International union of basic and clinical pharmacology. C. Nomenclature and properties of calcium-activated and sodium-activated potassium channels

Abstract

Asubset of potassium channels is regulated primarily by changes in the cytoplasmic concentration of ions, including calcium, sodium, chloride, and protons. The eight members of this subfamily were originally all designated as calcium-activated channels. More recent studies have clarified the gating mechanisms for these channels and have documented that not allmembers are sensitive to calcium. This article describes themolecular relationships between these channels and provides an introduction to their functional properties. It also introduces a new nomenclature that differentiates between calcium- and sodium-activated potassium channels.