RESUMO
The pathogenesis of the second major neurodegenerative disorder, Parkinson's disease (PD), is closely associated with the dysfunction of potassium (K) channels. Therefore, PD is also considered to be an ion channel disease or neuronal channelopathy. Mounting evidence has shown that K channels play crucial roles in the regulations of neurotransmitter release, neuronal excitability, and cell volume. Inhibition of K channels enhances the spontaneous firing frequency of nigral dopamine (DA) neurons, induces a transition from tonic firing to burst discharge, and promotes the release of DA in the striatum. Recently, three K channels have been identified to protect DA neurons and to improve the motor and non-motor symptoms in PD animal models: small conductance (SK) channels, A-type K channels, and K7/KCNQ channels. In this review, we summarize the physiological and pharmacological effects of the three K channels. We also describe in detail the laboratory investigations regarding K channels as a potential therapeutic target for PD.