Porphyrin derivatives as potent and selective blockers of neuronal Kv1 channels

Selective inhibitors of voltage-activated K⁺ channels are needed for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. In this work it was discovered that porphyrins bearing 2–4 carbon alkyl ammonium side chains predominantly blocked the K_v1.1 current whilst K_v1.2 was susceptible to a porphyrin bearing polyamine side chains.