Ion Channels and Enzymes as Targets of Psychopharmacological Drug Action

• Ligand-gated ion channels as targets of psychopharmacological drug action
• Ligand-gated ion channels, ionotrophic receptors and ion channel–linked receptors: different terms for the same receptor/ion channel complex
• Ligand-gated ion channels: structure and function
• Pentameric subtypes
• Tetrameric subtypes
• The agonist spectrum
• Different states of ligand-gated ion channels
• Allosteric modulation: PAMs and NAMs
• GABA, glutamate, and regulation of ligand-gated ion channels
• Voltage-sensitive ion channels as targets of psychopharmacological drug action
• Structure and function
• Voltage-sensitive sodium channels (VSSCs)
• Voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCCs)
• Ion channels and neurotransmission
• Enzymes as sites of psychopharmacological drug action
• Other novel or potential targets of psychopharmacological drug action
• Summary

Ion Channels and Enzymes as Targets of Psychopharmacological Drug Action

Many important psychopharmacological drugs target ion channels or enzymes. The roles of ion channels and enzymes as important regulators of synaptic neurotransmission have been covered in previous chapters (Chapters 1, 2, and 3). Here we discuss how the targeting of these molecular sites causes alterations in synaptic neurotransmission that are linked, in turn, to the therapeutic actions of various psychotropic drugs. Specifically, we will cover ligand-gated ion channels and voltage-sensitive ion channels as well as enzymes as targets of psychopharmacological drug action. We will also briefly mention a few additional novel or potential targets of drug action.