Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Optimized Transfection Strategy for Expression and Electrophysiological Recording of Recombinant Voltage-Gated Ion Channels in HEK-293T Cells
12:59

Optimized Transfection Strategy for Expression and Electrophysiological Recording of Recombinant Voltage-Gated Ion Channels in HEK-293T Cells

Published on: January 19, 2011

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Voltage-gated calcium channel blockers for psychiatric disorders: genomic reappraisal

Paul J Harrison1, Elizabeth M Tunbridge2, Annette C Dolphin3

  • 1Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford; and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK.

The British Journal of Psychiatry : the Journal of Mental Science
|June 25, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) show psychiatric potential. Research suggests brain-selective CCBs could offer new therapeutic avenues for psychiatric disorders, leveraging genetic links and observed outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Voltage-gated calcium channels are implicated as risk genes in various psychiatric disorders.
  • Clinical use of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) is linked to modifications in psychiatric risk and patient outcomes.
  • Existing CCBs present limitations for direct psychiatric application due to systemic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To reappraise the psychiatric potential of calcium channel blockers (CCBs).
  • To explore the therapeutic opportunities for CCBs in psychiatric indications.
  • To highlight the need for brain-selective CCB development.

Main Methods:

  • Review of genetic association studies linking calcium channels to psychiatric conditions.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data on CCB use and psychiatric outcomes.
  • Evaluation of pharmacological properties of existing and potential CCBs for central nervous system penetration.

Main Results:

  • Genetic evidence supports the role of voltage-gated calcium channels in psychiatric pathophysiology.
  • Observational data indicate a correlation between CCB administration and altered psychiatric trajectories.
  • Development of brain-selective CCBs presents a promising strategy for psychiatric treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Calcium channel blockers warrant further investigation for psychiatric applications.
  • Targeting voltage-gated calcium channels offers a potential mechanism for novel psychiatric therapies.
  • Brain-penetrant CCBs could represent a significant advancement in psychopharmacology.
Keywords:
Calcium channelsbipolar affective disordersnovel central nervous system drugspsychiatrytherapy

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