>>Does anyone know litterature references concerning a clear and stable
>nomenclature or classification of ionic channels in excitable membranes ?
>Especially, I'm looking for the origin of the 'A' in the IA nammed
>potassium channel.
>
For the one of the original descriptions of A-type potassium channels,
look at the following reference:
Thompson, S.H. 1977. Three pharmacologically distinct potassium
channels in molluscan neurones. Journal of Physiology 265:465-488.
The nomenclature for potassium channels and calcium channels, up until
recently a nightmare, has been clarified. For calcium channels, look at:
The naming of voltage-gated calcium channels. in Neuron
13:505-506 (a Matters Arising multi-authored agreement).
As far as potassium channels go, the most recent clarification of the
nomenclature is:
Chandy, K.G. 1991. Simplified gene nomenclature. Nature 352:26
Hope this helps.
Peter Ruben
Department of Biology
Utah State University