Title: The molecular basis of neuronal excitability.

Authors: W A Catterall

Journal, date & volume: Science, 1984 Feb 17 , 223, 653-61

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6320365

Abstract
Neurons process and transmit information in the form of electrical signals. Their electrical excitability is due to the presence of voltage-sensitive ion channels in the neuronal plasma membrane. In recent years, the voltage-sensitive sodium channel of mammalian brain has become the first of these important neuronal components to be studied at the molecular level. This article describes the distribution of sodium channels among the functional compartments of the neuron and reviews work leading to the identification, purification, and characterization of this membrane glycoprotein.