Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Cav3.1 , Cav3.2 , Cav3.3

Title: T-type calcium channels: functional regulation and implication in pain signaling.

Authors: Fumiko Sekiguchi, Atsufumi Kawabata

Journal, date & volume: J. Pharmacol. Sci., 2013 , 122, 244-50

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23903007

Abstract
Low-voltage-activated T-type Ca(2+) channels (T-channels), especially Cav3.2 among the three isoforms (Cav3.1, Cav3.2, and Cav3.3), are now considered to play pivotal roles in processing of pain signals. Cav3.2 T-channels are functionally modulated by extracellular substances such as hydrogen sulfide and ascorbic acid, by intracellular signaling molecules including protein kinases, and by glycosylation. Cav3.2 T-channels are abundantly expressed in both peripheral and central endings of the primary afferent neurons, regulating neuronal excitability and release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as substance P and glutamate, respectively. Functional upregulation of Cav3.2 T-channels is involved in the pathophysiology of inflammatory, neuropathic, and visceral pain. Thus, Cav3.2 T-channels are considered to serve as novel targets for development of drugs for treatment of intractable pain resistant to currently available analgesics.