Ion channels of primate ovarian endocrine cells: identification and functional significance

Mayerhofer, Artur und Kunz, Lars (2006): Ion channels of primate ovarian endocrine cells: identification and functional significance. In: Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Bd. 1, Nr. 4: S. 549-555

Abstract

Ion channels are crucially involved in cellular functions, but little is known about molecular identity, subunit composition and the specific role of ion channels in ovarian endocrine cells in human and nonhuman primates. Using human luteinizing granulosa cells, a few groups have started to address these questions and have begun to show molecular identity of ion channels, electrophysiological functions and the relationship to hormone production, as well as regulation by hormones and intraovarian factors. Functional ion channels that have been identified so far include T- and L-type Ca2+ channels (Cav3.2, Cav1.2), a voltage-dependent Na+ channel (Nav1.7), as well as voltage- (Kv4.2) and Ca2+-dependent K+ channels (BKCa). Since all these ion channels were found to be involved in steroid hormone synthesis and are expressed by endocrine ovarian cells in human and nonhuman ovary, it has been proposed that they are physiological key molecules for ovarian function. Furthermore, they may be novel targets for modulating ovarian functions.

• Dokumententyp: Zeitschriftenartikel
• Fakultät: Biologie > Department Biologie II > Neurobiologie
• Themengebiete: 500 Naturwissenschaften und Mathematik > 570 Biowissenschaften; Biologie ; 600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften > 610 Medizin und Gesundheit
• ISSN: 1744-6651
• Sprache: Englisch