{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Potassium Channels: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Parkinson's Disease.
{Author}: Chen X;Xue B;Wang J;Liu H;Shi L;Xie J;
{Journal}: Neurosci Bull
{Volume}: 34
{Issue}: 2
{Year}: Apr 2018
{Factor}: 5.271
{DOI}: 10.1007/s12264-017-0177-3
{Abstract}: The pathogenesis of the second major neurodegenerative disorder, Parkinson's disease (PD), is closely associated with the dysfunction of potassium (K+) channels. Therefore, PD is also considered to be an ion channel disease or neuronal channelopathy. Mounting evidence has shown that K+ channels play crucial roles in the regulations of neurotransmitter release, neuronal excitability, and cell volume. Inhibition of K+ channels enhances the spontaneous firing frequency of nigral dopamine (DA) neurons, induces a transition from tonic firing to burst discharge, and promotes the release of DA in the striatum. Recently, three K+ channels have been identified to protect DA neurons and to improve the motor and non-motor symptoms in PD animal models: small conductance (SK) channels, A-type K+ channels, and KV7/KCNQ channels. In this review, we summarize the physiological and pharmacological effects of the three K+ channels. We also describe in detail the laboratory investigations regarding K+ channels as a potential therapeutic target for PD.