Section of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy - Drug Science, University of Bari Bari, Italy.
Front Genet. 2013 May 7;4:76. doi: 10.3389/fgene.2013.00076. eCollection 2013.
Voltage-gated ion channels are important mediators of physiological functions in the central nervous system. The cyclic activation of these channels influences neurotransmitter release, neuron excitability, gene transcription, and plasticity, providing distinct brain areas with unique physiological and pharmacological response. A growing body of data has implicated ion channels in the susceptibility or pathogenesis of psychiatric diseases. Indeed, population studies support the association of polymorphisms in calcium and potassium channels with the genetic risk for bipolar disorders (BPDs) or schizophrenia. Moreover, point mutations in calcium, sodium, and potassium channel genes have been identified in some childhood developmental disorders. Finally, antibodies against potassium channel complexes occur in a series of autoimmune psychiatric diseases. Here we report recent studies assessing the role of calcium, sodium, and potassium channels in BPD, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders, and briefly summarize promising pharmacological strategies targeted on ion channels for the therapy of mental illness and related genetic tests.
电压门控离子通道是中枢神经系统生理功能的重要调节剂。这些通道的循环激活影响神经递质释放、神经元兴奋性、基因转录和可塑性，为不同的脑区提供独特的生理和药理学反应。越来越多的数据表明离子通道与精神疾病的易感性或发病机制有关。事实上，人群研究支持钙和钾通道多态性与双相情感障碍（BPD）或精神分裂症的遗传风险之间的关联。此外，在一些儿童发育障碍中已经发现钙、钠和钾通道基因的点突变。最后，一系列自身免疫性精神疾病中存在针对钾通道复合物的抗体。在这里，我们报告了最近评估钙、钠和钾通道在 BPD、精神分裂症和自闭症谱系障碍中的作用的研究，并简要总结了针对离子通道的有前途的药物治疗策略，用于治疗精神疾病和相关的基因测试。
