Ion channel-directed therapies in autonomic neurons: a view from the bench

Voltage-gated and ligand-gated ion channels have been mapped in autonomic neurons. Furthermore, clinical pathology is associated with altered function of certain ion channels in autonomic neurons, most by channel-binding auto-antibodies. Medications that are directed to ion channels account for a major pharmaceutical market segment. Ion channel-directed drug therapies may be used to treat autonomic dysfunction. In turn, drug therapies for non-autonomic disorders (e. g., for cardiac disorders) often have unwanted effects on autonomic regulation. Within the last decade, we have witnessed an explosion of information about the molecular details of ion channel biology. Knowledge of ion channel molecular biology paired with advances in screening technologies and gene therapy may be useful for developing new ion channel-directed therapies.