Voltage-sensitive Na+ channels: motifs, modes and modulation

Abstract

Much recent progress has been made in understanding the structural organization and functional properties of voltage-dependent Na+ channels, in particular in the areas of activation, ion conductance, and inactivation. At the same time, however, electrophysiological studies have revealed new, more complex functional properties in the form of at least two gating modes and the existence of as yet unidentified modulatory factors.