The changing landscape of voltage-gated calcium channels in neurovascular disorders and in neurodegenerative diseases.

ABSTRACT: It is a common belief that voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) cannot carry toxic amounts of Ca(2+) in neurons. Also, some of them as L-type channels are essential for Ca(2+)-dependent regulation of prosurvival gene-programs. However, a wealth of data show a beneficial effect of drugs acting on VGCCs in several neurodegenerative and neurovascular diseases. In the present review, we explore several mechanisms by which the "harmless" VGCCs may become "toxic" for neurons. These mechanisms could explain how, though usually required for neuronal survival, VGCCs may take part in neurodegeneration. We will present evidence showing that VGCCs can carry toxic Ca(2+) when: a) their density or activity increases because of aging, chronic hypoxia or exposure to β-amyloid peptides or b) Ca(2+)-depend

SUBMITTER: Cataldi M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3648780 | biostudies-literature | 2013 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature