The pharmacology of voltage-gated sodium channel activators.

Neuropharmacology

Centre for Pain Research, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia; School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia. Electronic address:

Published: December 2017

Toxins and venom components that target voltage-gated sodium (Na) channels have evolved numerous times due to the importance of this class of ion channels in the normal physiological function of peripheral and central neurons as well as cardiac and skeletal muscle. Na channel activators in particular have been isolated from the venom of spiders, wasps, snakes, scorpions, cone snails and sea anemone and are also produced by plants, bacteria and algae. These compounds have provided key insight into the molecular structure, function and pathophysiological roles of Na channels and are important tools due to their at times exquisite subtype-selectivity. We review the pharmacology of Na channel activators with particular emphasis on mammalian isoforms and discuss putative applications for these compounds. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Venom-derived Peptides as Pharmacological Tools.'

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.04.014DOI Listing

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