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Updated: Aug 8, 2025

Mechanical Stimulation-induced Calcium Wave Propagation in Cell Monolayers: The Example of Bovine Corneal Endothelial Cells
Published on: July 16, 2013
Pharmacology of pannexin channels
Michael Koval1, Wyatt J Schug2, Brant E Isakson3
1Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Abstract:
Pannexin channels play fundamental roles in regulating inflammation and have been implicated in many diseases including hypertension, stroke, and neuropathic pain. Thus, the ability to pharmacologically block these channels is a vital component of several therapeutic approaches. Pharmacologic interrogation of model systems also provides a means to discover new roles for pannexins in cell physiology. Here, we review the state of the art for agents that can be used to block pannexin channels, with a focus on chemical pharmaceuticals and peptide mimetics that act on pannexin 1. Guidance on interpreting results obtained with pannexin pharmacologics in experimental systems is discussed, as well as strengths and caveats of different agents, including specificity and feasibility of clinical application.
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