Voltage-gated calcium channel (L-type)

L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs), also known as L-type Ca²⁺ channels or LTCCs, are a subtype of high-voltage activated, voltage-dependent calcium channels. The "L" stands for "long-lasting," referring to the sustained inward current these channels mediate during membrane depolarization. They are essential for coupling electrical signals to physiological responses in excitable cells such as cardiac, skeletal, and smooth muscle cells, as well as neurons. The main pore-forming α₁ subunits of L-type VGCCs are encoded by CACNA1S (CaV1.1) – Skeletal muscle, CACNA1C (CaV1.2) – Cardiac/smooth muscle, CACNA1D (CaV1.3) – Neurons/endocrine cells, and CACNA1F (CaV1.4) – Retina. A distinguishing feature is their high sensitivity to organic L-type calcium channel blockers ("calcium antagonists"), including dihydropyridines, phenylalkylamines, and benzothiazepines—widely used clinically for cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and arrhythmias.

Other names

L-type voltage-gated calcium channelL-type Ca²⁺ channelLTCCL-type calcium channel

Blockade of calcium influx through L-type voltage-gated calcium channels