acid-sensitive ion channels

acid-sensitive ion channels

Voltage-insensitive protein cell-membrane sub-units which are activated and open when the pH falls below about 7.0. The activation of neuronal acid-sensitive channels can lead to neuronal death by excessive loading of the neurons by calcium. Many other calcium-permeable channels are inhibited as pH falls. Ischaemic tissue such as the surroundings of brain infarcts are at reduced pH.