The pharmacology of ion channels:: with particular reference to voltage-gated Ca2+ channels

Ion channels are molecular machines that serve as principal integrating and regulatory devices for the control of cellular excitability. They are also major targets for drug action. The basic aspects of ion channel structure and pharmacological control are reviewed and illustrated with specific reference to a major class of therapeutic agents and molecular tools - the clinically available Ca2+ channel antagonists. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.