Editing Calcium channel (section)

==Pharmacology==
[[File:L-type_calcium_channel.jpg|320x320px|Depiction of binding sites of various antagonistic drugs in the L-type calcium channel.|thumb]]
L-type [[calcium channel blocker]]s are used to treat [[hypertension]]. In most areas of the body, [[depolarization]] is mediated by sodium influx into a cell; changing the calcium permeability has little effect on action potentials. However, in many smooth muscle tissues, depolarization is mediated primarily by calcium influx into the cell. L-type calcium channel blockers selectively inhibit these action potentials in smooth muscle which leads to dilation of blood vessels; this in turn corrects hypertension.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Katz AM | title = Pharmacology and mechanisms of action of calcium-channel blockers | journal = Journal of Clinical Hypertension | volume = 2 | issue = 3 Suppl | pages = 28S–37S | date = September 1986 | pmid = 3540226 }}</ref>

T-type [[calcium channel blocker]]s are used to treat [[epilepsy]]. Increased calcium conductance in the neurons leads to increased depolarization and excitability. This leads to a greater predisposition to epileptic episodes. Calcium channel blockers reduce the neuronal calcium conductance and reduce the likelihood of experiencing epileptic attacks.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Zamponi GW, Lory P, Perez-Reyes E | title = Role of voltage-gated calcium channels in epilepsy | journal = Pflügers Archiv | volume = 460 | issue = 2 | pages = 395–403 | date = July 2010 | pmid = 20091047 | pmc = 3312315 | doi = 10.1007/s00424-009-0772-x }}</ref>