T-type calcium channel

The T-type calcium channel is a type of voltage-gated calcium channel. "T" stands for transient referring to the length of activation. As with other sub-types of voltage-gated calcium channel, the α1 subunit is the one that determines most of the channel's properties. T-type calcium channels may contain one of three α1 subunits, α1G (Cav3.1), α1H (Cav3.2) or α1I (Cav3.3).

Along with sodium "funny current," the T-type calcium channel produces the pacemaker potential in the SA node of the heart. Similarly in the CNS, T-type calcium channels and H-type "funny current" cation channels contribute to tonic bursting activity in thalamus.

T-type calcium channel blockers are used primarily as antiepileptics.

Pharmacological evidence suggests a role for T-type calcium channels in animal models of pulmonary hypertension.