Ion channels, receptors, agonists and antagonists

Cameron J. Weir

    Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

    Abstract

    This article describes the physiology of ion channels and the principal molecular mechanisms responsible for modulating their activity by commonly used drugs in anaesthesia and intensive care. The concept of efficient and selective transport of ions across ‘impermeable’ plasma membranes is introduced, together with the mechanisms influencing electrochemical signalling within cells. The classification and composition of voltage-gated ion channels are described in the context of their contribution to action potential generation in excitable cells. Drug–receptor interaction of the four main classes of receptor, that is, ligand-gated ion channels (in particular Cys-loop channels), G-protein-coupled, enzyme-linked and nuclear receptors, are described together with an overview of the various signal-transduction mechanisms adopted by metabotropic receptors to control cellular function. Finally, the principles of drug–receptor interaction of agonists, antagonists and inverse agonists are discussed in relation to their affinity, efficacy and potency.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)825-831
    Number of pages7
    JournalAnaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine
    Volume23
    Issue number12
    Early online date23 Nov 2022
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Dec 2022

    Keywords

    • G-protein-coupled receptors
    • inverse agonists
    • ligand-gated ion channels
    • voltage-gated ion channels

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
    • Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Ion channels, receptors, agonists and antagonists'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this