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Potassium channels: a review of broadening therapeutic possibilities for neurological diseases

Journal of Neurology volume 260, pages 2201–2211 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

Potassium (K+) channels are encoded by approximately 80 genes in mammals. They are expressed in many tissues and have diverse physiological roles. Human K+ channels are divided mainly into calcium (Ca2+)-activated (KCa), inward-rectifying (KIR), two-pore (K2P), and voltage-gated (Kv) channels. The Kv channels form the largest family, with approximately 40 genes. Owing to their involvement in many diseases and their specific expression patterns and physiological roles, K+ channels present an attractive target for the development of new therapies. This review summarizes the physiological and pathophysiological roles of various potassium channels with respect to their therapeutic potential for disorders with a disturbed neuronal excitability such as epilepsy, migraine, neuropathic pain, or stroke.

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Acknowledgments

The authors developed the manuscript outline, performed the literature analysis, and take full responsibility for the content of the paper. They thank GlaxoSmithKline and Valeant Pharmaceuticals International for technical review of the manuscript. They thank Dana Fox, PhD, CMPP (Caudex Medical Inc., New York, NY; supported by Valeant Pharmaceuticals International and GlaxoSmithKline) for assistance in preparing the manuscript and figures, and collating the comments of authors and other contributors.

Conflicts of interest

HL has served on the scientific advisory boards for Eisai, GSK, Pfizer, UCB and Valeant Pharmaceuticals International; has received industry-funded travel costs from GSK, Pfizer, and UCB; has received honoraria for speaking engagement of educational activities from Desitin, Eisai, GSK, Pfizer and UCB; and has received research support from UCB and Sanofi-Aventis. SM has no conflicts of interests.

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  1. Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie-Institute of Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Hoppe-Seyer-Str. 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany

    Snezana Maljevic & Holger Lerche

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  1. Snezana Maljevic
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Correspondence to Holger Lerche.

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Maljevic, S., Lerche, H. Potassium channels: a review of broadening therapeutic possibilities for neurological diseases. J Neurol 260, 2201–2211 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-012-6727-8

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Keywords

  • Ion channel disorder
  • Epilepsy
  • Pain
  • Antiepileptic drugs
  • Potassium channel