Chapter 5: Ion Permeation Through Connexin Gap Junction Channels: Effects on Conductance and Selectivity

摘要: Publisher Summary This chapter develops the thermodynamic definitions of ionic conductance and permeability reviews some connexin literature to assess level current knowledge understanding how homotypic, heterotypic, heteromeric gap junction channels might function. Connexin hemichannel data are also considered in because they provide meaningful information about existence a selectivity filter within each half an intact channel. Hemichannel is necessary help determine if extracellular interface influences channel permeability, one replacing aqueous environment with specific protein where internal pore now isolated from external milieu. Maximum conductances, mole fraction effects, ratios, blockade parameters for hemichannels affinities, interactions, electrostatic potential, excess chemical potential contributions ion permeation mechanisms channels. Quantitative determination these effects pH strength on relative conductances permeabilities enable researchers develop accurate mathematical models based existing principles theories electrodiffusion.