L-type calcium channel

The L-type calcium channel is a type of voltage-dependent calcium channel. "L" stands for long-lasting referring to the length of activation. Like the others of this class, the α1 subunit is the one that determines most of the channel's properties.

L-type calcium channel blocker drugs are used as cardiac antiarrhythmics or antihypertensives, depending on whether the drugs have higher affinity to the heart (the phenylalkylamines, like verapamil), or to the vessels (the dihydropyridines, like nifedipine).

L-type channels are selectively blocked by benzothiazepines (like diltiazem).