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Review

KCNQ potassium channels: drug targets for the treatment of epilepsy and pain

, , &
Pages 457-469 | Published online: 22 Apr 2005
 

Abstract

Epilepsy and neuropathic pain are disorders characterised by excessive neuronal activity. These disorders are currently managed by drugs that are capable of dampening neuronal excitability, including voltage-gated sodium channel blockers, voltage-operated calcium channel modulators and modulators of inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmission. However, these drugs are rarely 100% efficacious and their use is often associated with limiting side effects. Thus, there is a clear medical need for novel agents to treat these diseases. One potential mechanism that has not yet been exploited is potassium (K+) channel opening. A significant (and growing) body of genetic, molecular, physiological and pharmacological evidence now exists to indicate that KCNQ-based currents represent particularly interesting targets for the treatment of diseases such as epilepsy and neuropathic pain. Evidence supporting these K+ channels as novel drug targets will be reviewed in the following article. Worldwide patent activity relating to KCNQ channels and KCNQ-modulating drugs and their uses will also be summarised.

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