Effects of Ethanol on the Functional Properties of Sodium Channels in Brain Synaptosomes

Abstract

Voltage-sensitive sodium channels in excitable cell membranes are responsible for the rapid increase in permeability to sodium ions that occurs during depolarization. Neurotoxins that bind with high affinity and specificity to voltage-sensitive sodium channels have been widely used to identify and characterize the structure and function of sodium channels in nerve and skeletal muscle. This chapter described the actions of ethanol on the functional properties of voltage-sensitive sodium channels in mammalian brain nerve endings. The effects of acute and chronic ethanol administration are also reviewed. Alterations in the function of neuronal membrane sodium channels may be involved in the depressant effect of ethanol. Keywords: Nerve transmission; Membrane function; Reprints; Biochemistry; Toxins and antitoxins.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1987
Accession Number
ADA180919

Entities

People

  • Michael J. Mullins
  • Walter A. Hunt

Organizations

  • Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Anesthetics
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Blood
  • Brain
  • Cell Membrane
  • Cells
  • Central Nervous System
  • Drug Abuse
  • Free Radicals
  • Ionizing Radiation
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Nervous System
  • Peripheral Nervous System
  • Physical Properties
  • Quantum Properties
  • Radiation
  • Rodents

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry