L-type voltage-gated calcium channel, skeletal muscle type (Cav1.1) (DHPR)

The 1,4-dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR) is a multiprotein complex that functions as a voltage-gated L-type calcium channel, most notably expressed in skeletal muscle as Cav1.1. It is the principal target of 1,4-dihydropyridine drugs, which are widely used antihypertensive and anti-arrhythmic agents. The DHPR complex consists of several subunits (α1, α2, δ, β, γ) and is essential for mediating excitation-contraction coupling in muscle, synaptic transmission in neurons, and other calcium-dependent physiological responses. In skeletal muscle, it is physically and functionally coupled to the ryanodine receptor (RyR1) for rapid muscle contraction. Blockade of this channel by drugs inhibits calcium influx, lowering vascular resistance and blood pressure[1][3][4][5][7]. The DHPR also interacts directly with the ryanodine receptor and plays a pivotal role in rapid signaling and calcium release in skeletal muscle tissue[1][3][7].

Other names

Dihydropyridine receptorDHPRCav1.1 (skeletal muscle isoform)L-type calcium channel

Blockade of L-type calcium channels (reducing calcium ion influx into cells, lowering muscle contraction and causing vasodilation). Selective inhibition of KCa3.1 channel in modified derivatives (for certain 1,4-dihydropyridine drugs). Reduction of blood pressure and protection against cardiovascular events.