Calcium channels involved with corneal endothelial apoptosis in a hyperglycemic model

The programmed cell death in the human corneal endothelium has been associated with metabolic changes, mechanical stress, endotoxins and nutrient deprivation. In these processes, calcium channels play a primary role, particularly related to changes in membrane potential and ionic currents associated with the induction of apoptosis. In addition, it has recently been shown that KCa and Ca2+ channels, alone or in association, play an important role in proliferation and migration of various cell types. Detailed research into the expression of genes related to proteins that function as ion channels in apoptosis and migration would be very useful in better characterizing the pathophysiology of the endothelium.