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Ion channels as target effectors for carbon monoxide
Author(s) -
Peers Chris
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
experimental physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1469-445X
pISSN - 0958-0670
DOI - 10.1113/expphysiol.2011.059063
Subject(s) - carbon monoxide , effector , ion , ion channel , chemistry , biophysics , biochemistry , biology , receptor , catalysis , organic chemistry
Our understanding of carbon monoxide (CO) as an endogenous signalling molecule has expanded enormously in recent years, to the point where it can now be safely exploited therapeutically. In more recent years, the ability of CO to modulate ion channel activity has added further diversity to its activity. Here, I summarize briefly the established ion channel targets of CO and describe in more detail its actions on two example ion channels (the cardiac L‐type Ca 2+ channel and the neuronal delayed rectifier, Kv2.1). The physiological consequences of such modulation are also considered. It is clear that our knowledge of the cellular effects of this gas is incomplete, and further study is required to further understand and so more fully exploit its therapeutic potential.