Adaptation in Membrane Ca²⁺ Channels as a Basis for Alcohol‐Related Pathology

Abstract: This paper is a review, based largely though not exclusively on work from the authors' research group, of the role of Ca²⁺ channels in the actions of ethanol. The position is taken that an important consequence of the presence of ethanol in the region of excitable cells is a reduction in voltage‐activation of membrane ion channels with a resulting decrease in cellular excitability. We suggest that excitable cells adapt to this effect by increasing the number of Ca²⁺ channels on the cell membrane. The channels are of a subtype which are inhibited by the dihydropyridine Ca²⁺ “antagonist” drugs. Although the mechanism of Ca²⁺ channel up‐regulation is an effective short‐term measure as adaptation against the acute effects of ethanol, we consider it may have detrimental longer term consequences including physical dependence and alcohol‐related pathology including the death of excitable cells. 1988 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs