Cells maintain uneven distribution of Na, K and Ca ions across the cell membrane and membranes of intracellular organellae. Cells exert their functions by allowing for some ion to cross the membrane through ion channels which either produces an electrical effect across the membrane or switches on a series of chemical or physicochemical reactions. This is a comprehensive book about these vitally important ion channels with detailed description of the molecular structure and function and especially of activators and inhibitors. All chapters are written by renowned specialists in their field.

Section I: Voltage-Dependent Ion Channels

A. Voltage-Dependent Na Channels
1 Structure and Functions of Voltage-Dependent Na+ Channels
2 Sodium Channel Blockers and Activators
B. Voltage-Dependent Ca-Channels
3 Classification and Function of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels
Structure of the Voltage-Dependent L-Type Calcium Channel
5 Ca2+ Channel Antagonists and Agonists
C. Voltage-Dependent K-Channels
6 Overview of Potassium Channel Families: Molecular Bases of the Functional Diversity
7 Pharmacology of Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels
8 Voltage-Gated Calcium-Modulated Potassium Channels of Large Unitary Conductance: Structure, Diversity, and Pharmacology
9 Classical Inward Rectifying Potassium Channels: Mechanisms of Inward Rectification
10 ATP-Dependent Potassium Channels in the Kidney
11 Structure and Function of ATP-Sensitive K+ Channels
12 G Protein-Gated K+ Channels
13 Potassium Channels with Two Pore Domains
14 Cardiac K+ Channels and Inherited Long QT Syndrome
Section II: Ligand Operated Ion Channels
15 Gating of Ion Channels by Transmitters: The Range of Structures of the Transmitter-Gated Channels
16 Molecular Diversity, Structure, and Function of Glutamate Receptor Channels
17 Glutamate Receptor Ion Channels: Activators and Inhibitors
18 Structure, Diversity, Pharmacology, and Pathology of Glycine Receptor Chloride Channels
19 GABAA Receptor Chloride Ion Channels
20 P2X Receptors for ATP: Classification, Distribution, and Function
21 The 5-HT3 Receptor Channel: Function, Activation and Regulation
22 Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels: Classification, Structure and Function, Activators and Inhibitors
Section III: Miscellaneous Ion Channels - Intracellular Ca Release Channels
23 Regulation of Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channels
24 Regulation of IP3 Receptor Ca2+ Release Channels
25 Ca2+-Activated Non-Selective Cation Channels.