Structure and pharmacology of swelling-sensitive chloride channels, I(Cl,swell)

• Published in: Fundamental & clinical pharmacology Vol. 17; no. 5; pp. 539 - 553
• Main Authors: d'Anglemont de Tassigny, Alexandra, Souktani, Rachid, Ghaleh, Bijan, Henry, Patrick, Berdeaux, Alain
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.10.2003
• Subjects: Animals; Cell Size - drug effects; Cell Size - physiology; Chloride Channels - antagonists & inhibitors; Chloride Channels - chemistry; Chloride Channels - metabolism; Humans; Ion Channel Gating - drug effects; Ion Channel Gating - physiology; Signal Transduction - drug effects; Signal Transduction - physiology
• ISSN: 0767-3981

Since several years, the interest for chloride channels and more particularly for the enigmatic swelling-activated chloride channel (I(Cl,swell)) is increasing. Despite its well-characterized electrophysiological properties, the I(Cl,swell) structure and pharmacology are not totally elucidated. These channels are involved in a variety of cell functions, such as cardiac rhythm, cell proliferation and differentiation, cell volume regulation and cell death through apoptosis. This review will consider different aspects regarding structure, electrophysiological properties, pharmacology, modulation and functions of these swelling-activated chloride channels.