Possible therapeutic benefits of zinc-based fourmations for cystic fibrosis

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Taken from "Extracellular zinc and ATP-gated P2X receptor calcium entry channels: New zinc receptors as physiological sensors and therapeutic targets"

Purinergic Signalling 2005;1(4):299-310.

Published online Jan 2005

PMCID:PMC2096558.

Possible benefits of zinc are listed. Multiple CF defects could benefit by zinc binding to P2X receptor channels on or from zinc entry into CF human airway epithelial cells (see Figure for postulated benefits of zinc entry). An increase in Ca induced by zinc at P2X receptor or possible direct zinc inhibition would disable hyperactive ENaC channels. The sustained Ca entry signal mediated by P2X receptor channels would require KCl secretion and augment ciliary beat. The latter is not affected in CF; however, augmentation of ciliary beat can only help clear tenacious and dehydrated mucus.