Abstract: Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are H⁺-gated, Na⁺-permeable channels formed by six different subunits which are coded by four genes. These channels open when the extracellular pH decreases. Studies show that ASICs play an important role in the pathological process of inflammation, ischemia, pain and etc. Extracellular pH decreases obviously in the process of epilepsy, resulting in the open of ASICs. However, recent studies have indicated that ASICs may also play a significant role in the termination of epilepsy. So far, the homo- or heteromeric association of six subunits and their specific inhibitors have been found, and they may be novel targets for the development of new drugs.

Key words: Ion channels, Epilepsy, Review

摘要： 酸敏感离子通道是近年来发现的氢离子门控性钠离子通道，目前共计发现4 个基因编码的6 种亚型，均于细胞外pH 值降低时开放。酸敏感离子通道在炎症、脑缺血、疼痛等病理过程中起重要作用，癫痫发作时细胞外pH 值明显降低，使酸敏感离子通道开放；而该通道在终止癫痫发作过程中亦发挥重要作用。目前已发现酸敏感离子通道特异性抑制剂，并可能成为药物研制之新靶点。

关键词: 离子通道, 癫痫, 综述