CHROMATOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES IN STUDIES OF THE CALCIUM CHANNELS AND OF CALCIUM-ANTAGONISTS IN PHYSIOLOGICAL CELLS

In the past decade, the primary structure of L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels was elucidated and the calcium-antagonist binding sit es localized. The results were achieved with the help of biochemical, molecular genetic, and electrophysiological methods combined with nume rous types of chromatography. An important objective of research on ca lcium channels has focused on the complex question of where the calciu m antagonists interact with the binding sites, and how they block the movement of calcium ions. Some definite answers have been given concer ning the high-affinity binding sites of calcium channels. Approaches t o learning the structure of calcium channels and of localizing calcium -antagonist binding sites have utilized a variety of chromatographic m ethods.