Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are widely distributed within the central nervous system (CNS) and presumed to play an important role in the pathophysiology of a broad spectrum of CNS disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease as well as multiple sclerosis. Several calcium channel blockers have been in clinical practice for many years so that their toxicity and side effects ...

Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors can enhance ion channel currents and downstream effects of α7 stimulation. We investigated the approach of using noncompetitive antagonists to regulate α7 receptor function, potentially distinguishing effects requiring ion channel currents from signaling induced by nonconducting states. Three small readily reversible ...

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Despite more than 30 years of research, no pharmacological agents have been identified that improve neurological function following TBI. However, several lines of research described in this review provide support for further development of voltage gated calcium channel (VGCC) antagonists as potential t...

Calcium channel antagonists (CCAs) are commonly involved in drug overdoses. Standard approaches to the management of CCA overdoses, including fluid resuscitation, gut decontamination, administration of calcium, glucagon, and atropine, as well as supportive care, are often ineffective. We report on two patients who improved after addition of hyperinsulinemia-euglycemia (HIE) therapy. We conclude...

Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors can enhance ion channel currents and downstream effects of a7 stimulation. We investigated the approach of using noncompetitive antagonists to regulate a7 receptor function, potentially distinguishing effects requiring ion channel currents from signaling induced by nonconducting states. Three small readily reversible ...

Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors can enhance ion channel currents and downstream effects of a7 stimulation. We investigated the approach of using noncompetitive antagonists to regulate a7 receptor function, potentially distinguishing effects requiring ion channel currents from signaling induced by nonconducting states. Three small readily reversible ...

Neuronal L-type calcium channels are essential for regulating activity-dependent gene expression, but they are thought to open too slowly to contribute to action potential-dependent calcium entry. A complication of studying native L-type channels is that they represent a minor fraction of the whole-cell calcium current in most neurons. Dihydropyridine antagonists are therefore widely used to es...

Although the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) is similar in both male and female populations, females have a greater tendency to seek medical advice regarding their symptoms. A review of the evidence of therapy among women shows that a variety of modalities has been shown to be effective for symptom improvement in women with OAB. Bladder retraining/re-education should be considered for al...