Potent blocking action of lead on voltage-activated calcium channels in human neuroblastoma cells SH-SY5Y.
Human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) have two types of voltage-activated calcium channels, which are equivalent to the N and L types. Both types of calcium channels were equally blocked by lead in a concentration-dependent and reversible manner, with Ki congruent to 1 microM. This lead concentration is in the same order of magnitude as that found in the blood of children exhibiting neuropsychological disorders. Sodium and potassium channel currents were not significantly affected by lead at a concentration of 10 microM.