Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Cav3.1

Title: T-type calcium channels in pulmonary vascular endothelium.

Authors: Chun Zhou, Songwei Wu

Journal, date & volume: , 2006 Dec , 13, 645-56

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17085425

Abstract
The expression of low-voltage-gated T-type calcium channel alpha1G-subunit (Cav3.1) has recently been revealed in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs). In endothelial cells, changes in membrane potential may be caused by a variety of physiological or pathophysiological vascular stimuli. Thus, the characteristic low-voltage range of activation, transient kinetics of inactivation, and conducting continuous Ca2+ entry in a range of low membrane potentials of this channel may confer its temporal and spatial control of cytosolic Ca2 + important for a variety of cellular processes in vascular endothelial cells. The goal of this review is to provide a succinct description of the endothelial cell T-type calcium channel, including its molecular characteristics, biophysical and pharmacological profiles, and involvement in certain endothelial cell functions.