Expression and modulation of the intermediate- conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel in glioblastoma GL-15 cells.

We report here the expression and properties of the intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (IK(Ca)) channel in the GL-15 human glioblastoma cell line. Macroscopic IK(Ca) currents on GL-15 cells displayed a mean amplitude of 7.2+/-0.8 pA/pF at 0 mV, at day 1 after plating. The current was inhibited by clotrimazole (CTL, IC(50)=257 nM), TRAM-34 (IC(50)=55 nM), and charybdotoxin (CTX, IC(50)=10.3 nM). RT-PCR analysis demonstrated the expression of mRNA encoding the IK(Ca) channel in GL-15 cells. Unitary currents recorded using the inside-out configuration had a conductance of 25 pS, a K(D) for Ca(2+) of 188 nM at -100 mV, and no voltage dependence. We tested whether the IKCa channel expression in GL-15 cells could be the result of an increased ERK activity. Inhibition of the ERK pathway with the MEK antagonist PD98059 (25 muM, for 5 days) virtually suppressed the IK(Ca) current in GL-15 cells. PD98059 treatment also increased the length of cellular processes and up-regulated the astrocytic differentiative marker GFAP. A significant reduction of the IKCa current amplitude was also observed with time in culture, with mean currents of 7.17+/-0.75 pA/pF at 1-2 days, and 3.11+/-1.35 pA/pF at 5-6 days after plating. This time-dependent downregulation of the IK(Ca) current was not accompanied by changes in the ERK activity, as assessed by immunoblot analysis. Semiquantitative RT-PCR analysis demonstrated a ~35% reduction of the IK(Ca) channel mRNA resulting from ERK inhibition and a approximately 50% reduction with time in culture.     

Quantitative analysis of voltage-gated potassium currents from primary equine (Equus caballus) and elephant (Loxodonta africana) articular chondrocytes

In this comparative study, we have established in vitro models of equine and elephant articular chondrocytes, examined their basic morphology, and characterized the biophysical properties of their primary voltage-gated potassium channel (Kv) currents. Using whole cell patch-clamp electrophysiological recording from first-expansion and first-passage cells, we measured a maximum Kv conductance of 0.15 +/- 0.04 pS/pF (n = 10) in equine chondrocytes, whereas that in elephant chondrocytes was significantly larger (0.8 +/- 0.4 pS/pF, n = 4, P 相似文献   

Beta(3)-adrenergic stimulation and insulin inhibition of non-selective cation channels in white adipocytes of the rat

Single-channel currents were recorded from the plasma membrane of white adipocytes of 6-8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. In outside-out patches (high K(+), no Ca(2+) in pipette), a voltage-dependent K-channel (delayed rectifier) with a single-channel conductance (gamma) of 16 pS (24 degrees C) in modified Ringer's was active at a density of 0.5/microm(2). It was blocked by TEA (IC(50)=1.5 mM). A Ca(2+)-activated non-selective cation channel (NSC-channel) appeared at a mean density of 1/microm(2) in inside-out patches ([Ca(2+)](i)=1.2 mM). gamma was 28 pS (24 degrees C). The NSC showed weak voltage dependence and was blocked by mefenamic acid and by internal ATP. In the cell-attached mode spontaneous activity could be blocked reversibly by 100 nM insulin. Noradrenaline (NA, 100 nM) induced a flickering activity of the NSC-channels. Isoproterenol (100 nM) caused activity of the NSC-channel as well. After 1 microM propranolol even 1 microM NA did not induce any activity. The alpha-antagonist phentolamine had no effect on isoproterenol- or on NA-induced currents. The beta(3)-agonists BRL 37344 and BRL 35135A induced activity of the NSC-channel at 100 nM as well. We conclude that white adipocytes express ion channels which are comparable to those in brown adipocytes and that beta-receptor activation opens NSC-channels thus allowing for Na(+) entry into white adipocytes.     

Calcium- and voltage-activated potassium channels in human macrophages.

Single calcium-activated potassium channel currents were recorded in intact and excised membrane patches from cultured human macrophages. Channel conductance was 240 pS in symmetrical 145 mM K+ and 130 pS in 5 mM external K+. Lower conductance current fluctuations (40% of the larger channels) with the same reversal potential as the higher conductance channels were noted in some patches. Ion substitution experiments indicated that the channel is permeable to potassium and relatively impermeable to sodium. The frequency of channel opening increased with depolarization and intracellular calcium concentration. At 10(-7) M (Ca++)i, channel activity was evident only at potentials of +40 mV or more depolarized, while at 10(-5) M, channels were open at all voltages tested (-40 to +60 mV). In intact patches, channels were seen at depolarized patch potentials of +50 mV or greater, indicating that the ionized calcium concentration in the macrophage is probably less than 10(-7) M.     

Voltage gated ionic channels in rat cultured astrocytes, reactive astrocytes and an astrocyte-oligodendrocyte progenitor cell

Astrocytes (both type 1 and type 2), cultured from the central nervous system of newborn or 7 day old rats show voltage gated sodium and potassium channels that are activated when the membrane is depolarized to greater than -40 mV. The sodium channels in these cells have an h-infinity curve similar to that of nodal membranes but the activation (peak current-voltage) curves are shifted along the voltage axis by about +30 mV. These sodium currents are blocked only by high concentrations of tetrodotoxin. The voltage activated potassium currents in both types of astrocyte show at least two components; an inactivating component that is suppressed at holding potentials of greater than -40 mV and a persistent, non-inactivating current. Several types of single channel currents were observed in outside-out membrane patches from type 2 astrocytes. One type of potassium channel showed inactivation on depolarization and may contribute to the whole-cell inactivating current. In contrast, oligodendrocytes showed no obvious voltage gated membrane channels. The properties of the type 2 astrocyte-oligodendrocyte progenitor cell were investigated in two ways: 1) by examination of cells just beginning to differentiate along the "electrically silent" oligodendrocyte pathway or 2) by recording from progenitor cells cultured for 24 hours in the presence of cycloheximide to block the appearance of new membrane channels. In both cases, voltage gated inward (sodium) and outward (potassium) currents were noted. The outward current response showed both an inactivating and a non-inactivating component. Similar voltage activated inward and outward membrane currents were noted in reactive astrocytes freshly isolated (3-6 hours) from lesioned areas of adult rat brains.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Cloning and functional expression of a liver isoform of the small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel SK3

Small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channels have been cloned from mammalian brain, but little is known about the molecular characteristics of SK channels in nonexcitable tissues. Here, we report the isolation from rat liver of an isoform of SK3. The sequence of the rat liver isoform differs from rat brain SK3 in five amino acid residues in the NH3 terminus, where it more closely resembles human brain SK3. SK3 immunoreactivity was detectable in hepatocytes in rat liver and in HTC rat hepatoma cells. Human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells transfected with liver SK3 expressed 10 pS K+ channels that were Ca2+ dependent (EC(50) 630 nM) and were blocked by the SK channel inhibitor apamin (IC(50) 0.6 nM); whole cell SK3 currents inactivated at membrane potentials more positive than -40 mV. Notably, the Ca2+ dependence, apamin sensitivity, and voltage-dependent inactivation of SK3 are strikingly similar to the properties of hepatocellular and biliary epithelial SK channels evoked by metabolic stress. These observations raise the possibility that SK3 channels influence membrane K+ permeability in hepatobiliary cells during liver injury.     

Contribution of K(v)2.1 channels to the delayed rectifier current in freshly dispersed smooth muscle cells from rabbit urethra

We have characterized the native voltage-dependent K(+) (K(v)) current in rabbit urethral smooth muscle cells (RUSMC) and compared its pharmacological and biophysical properties with K(v)2.1 and K(v)2.2 channels cloned from the rabbit urethra and stably expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells (HEK(Kv2.1) and HEK(Kv2.2)). RUSMC were perfused with Hanks' solution at 37°C and studied using the patch-clamp technique with K(+)-rich pipette solutions. Cells were bathed in 100 nM Penitrem A (Pen A) to block large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK) currents and depolarized to +40 mV for 500 ms to evoke K(v) currents. These were unaffected by margatoxin, κ-dendrotoxin, or α-dendrotoxin (100 nM, n = 3-5) but were blocked by stromatoxin-1 (ScTx, IC(50) ～130 nM), consistent with the idea that the currents were carried through K(v)2 channels. RNA was detected for K(v)2.1, K(v)2.2, and the silent subunit K(v)9.3 in urethral smooth muscle. Immunocytochemistry showed membrane staining for both K(v)2 subtypes and K(v)9.3 in isolated RUSMC. HEK(Kv2.1) and HEK(Kv2.2) currents were blocked in a concentration-dependent manner by ScTx, with estimated IC(50) values of ～150 nM (K(v)2.1, n = 5) and 70 nM (K(v)2.2, n = 6). The mean half-maximal voltage (V(1/2)) of inactivation of the USMC K(v) current was -56 ± 3 mV (n = 9). This was similar to the HEK(Kv2.1) current (-55 ± 3 mV, n = 13) but significantly different from the HEK(Kv2.2) currents (-30 ± 3 mV, n = 11). Action potentials (AP) evoked from RUSMC studied under current-clamp mode were unaffected by ScTx. However, when ScTx was applied in the presence of Pen A, the AP duration was significantly prolonged. Similarly, ScTx increased the amplitude of spontaneous contractions threefold, but only after Pen A application. These data suggest that K(v)2.1 channels contribute significantly to the K(v) current in RUSMC.     

Actions of putative chloride channel blocking agents on canine lower esophageal sphincter (LES)

Niflumic acid (NA), a putative Cl(-)-channel blocker, has provided pharmacological evidence that Cl(-)-channel closures mediate hyperpolarization caused by NO in gastrointestinal smooth muscle. However, NA caused concentration-dependent relaxation of canine lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and failed to inhibit NO-mediated relaxations. DIDS also did not inhibit NO-mediated relaxations, but did abolish them when present with 20 mM TEA (tetraethyl ammonium ion), which was also ineffective alone. TEA reversed NA-induced relaxations, but with NA it did not inhibit NO-mediated relaxations. We investigated the modes of action of these agents further. Neither nerve-function block nor block of NOS activity affected the inhibition of LES tone by NA. In patch-clamp studies, NA increased outward currents from -30 to + 90 mV when [Ca2+]pipette was 50 nM. This was prevented by 20 mM TEA, but not by prior inhibition of NOS. At 200 nM [Ca2+]pipette, TEA markedly reduced outward currents, but did not prevent the increase from subsequent NA. In contrast, under similar conditions, application of DIDS after 20 mM TEA further reduced outward currents. When the patch pipette contained CsCl and TEA to block K+ currents, NA had no significant effect on currents between -50 and +90 mV. Thus, NA acted by opening K+ channels: some TEA-sensitive and some not. It had no detectable effect on currents when K+ channels were blocked. We conclude that NA is an unreliable pharmacological tool to evaluate Cl(-)-channel contributions to smooth muscle function. DIDS did not open K+ channels. Decreases in outward currents from DIDS may result from inhibition of K+ currents or currents carried by Cl- at depolarized membrane potentials.     

Functional and pharmacological properties of canine ERG potassium channels

We established HEK-293 cell lines that stably express functional canine ether-à-go-go-related gene (cERG) K(+) channels and examined their biophysical and pharmacological properties with whole cell patch clamp and (35)S-labeled MK-499 ([(35)S]MK-499) binding displacement. Functionally, cERG current had the hallmarks of cardiac delayed rectifier K(+) current (I(Kr)). Channel opening was time- and voltage dependent with threshold near -40 mV. The half-maximum activation voltage was -7.8 +/- 2.4 mV at 23 degrees C, shifting to -31.9 +/- 1.2 mV at 36 degrees C. Channels activated with a time constant of 13 +/- 1 ms at +20 mV, showed prominent inward rectification at depolarized potentials, were highly K(+) selective (Na(+)-to-K(+) permeability ratio = 0.007), and were potently inhibited by I(Kr) blockers. Astemizole, terfenadine, cisapride, and MK-499 inhibited cERG and human ERG (hERG) currents with IC(50) values of 1.3, 13, 19, and 15 nM and 1.2, 9, 14, and 21 nM, respectively, and competitively displaced [(35)S]MK-499 binding from cERG and hERG with IC(50) values of 0.4, 12, 35, and 0.6 nM and 0.8, 5, 47, and 0.7 nM, respectively. cERG channels had biophysical properties appropriate for canine action potential repolarization and were pharmacologically sensitive to agents known to prolong QT. A novel MK-499 binding assay provides a new tool to detect agents affecting ERG channels.     

Ca2+-activated K channel of the BK-type in the inner mitochondrial membrane of a human glioma cell line

A single channel current was recorded from mitoplasts (i.e., inner mitochondrial membrane) of the human glioma cell line LN229 using patch-clamp techniques in the mitoplast-attached mode. We frequently found a 295 +/- 18 pS channel that showed a straight i-E relation in the range +/-60 mV in 150 mM KCl solutions on either side of the mitoplast. If KCl in the bath was exchanged against NaCl, outward currents were undetectable, indicating potassium selectivity. Channel activity determined as open probability increased with increasing Ca2+ concentrations (EC50 = 0.9 microM at 60 mV). Open probability was voltage dependent. An e-fold increase of time spent in the open state was induced by a depolarization of 10.5 mV. Open probability was decreased by charybdotoxin concentration and voltage dependently (EC50 = 1.4 nM). In conclusion, we show for the first time that the inner mitochondrial membrane in human glioma cells contains a calcium-dependent K channel of the BK-type.     

Voltage-dependent ionic currents in taste receptor cells of the larval tiger salamander

Voltage-dependent membrane currents of cells dissociated from tongues of larval tiger salamanders (Ambystoma tigrinum) were studied using whole-cell and single-channel patch-clamp techniques. Nongustatory epithelial cells displayed only passive membrane properties. Cells dissociated from taste buds, presumed to be gustatory receptor cells, generated both inward and outward currents in response to depolarizing voltage steps from a holding potential of -60 or -80 mV. Almost all taste cells displayed a transient inward current that activated at -30 mV, reached a peak between 0 and +10 mV and rapidly inactivated. This inward current was blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX) or by substitution of choline for Na+ in the bath solution, indicating that it was a Na+ current. Approximately 60% of the taste cells also displayed a sustained inward current which activated slowly at about -30 mV and reached a peak at 0 to +10 mV. The amplitude of the slow inward current was larger when Ca2+ was replaced by Ba2+ and it was blocked by bath applied CO2+, indicating it was a Ca2+ current. Delayed outward K+ currents were observed in all taste cells although in about 10% of the cells, they were small and activated only at voltages more depolarized than +10 mV. Normally, K+ currents activated at -40 mV and usually showed some inactivation during a 25-ms voltage step. The inactivating component of outward current was not observed at holding potentials more depolarized -40 mV. The outward currents were blocked by tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) and BaCl2 in the bath or by substitution of Cs+ for K+ in the pipette solution. Both transient and noninactivating components of outward current were partially suppressed by CO2+, suggesting the presence of a Ca2(+)-activated K+ current component. Single-channel currents were recorded in cell-attached and outside-out patches of taste cell membranes. Two types of K+ channels were partially characterized, one having a mean unitary conductance of 21 pS, and the other, a conductance of 148 pS. These experiments demonstrate that tiger salamander taste cells have a variety of voltage- and ion-dependent currents including Na+ currents, Ca2+ currents and three types of K+ currents. One or more of these conductances may be modulated either directly by taste stimuli or indirectly by stimulus-regulated second messenger systems to give rise to stimulus-activated receptor potentials. Others may play a role in modulation of neurotransmitter release at synapses with taste nerve fibers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Multiple types of voltage-dependent Ca2+-activated K+ channels of large conductance in rat brain synaptosomal membranes

K+-selective ion channels from a mammalian brain synaptosomal membrane preparation were inserted into planar phospholipid bilayers on the tips of patch-clamp pipettes, and single-channel currents were measured. Multiple distinct classes of K+ channels were observed. We have characterized and described the properties of several types of voltage-dependent, Ca2+-activated K+ channels of large single-channel conductance (greater than 50 pS in symmetrical KCl solutions). One class of channels (Type I) has a 200-250-pS single-channel conductance. It is activated by internal calcium concentrations greater than 10(-7) M, and its probability of opening is increased by membrane depolarization. This channel is blocked by 1-3 mM internal concentrations of tetraethylammonium (TEA). These channels are similar to the BK channel described in a variety of tissues. A second novel group of voltage-dependent, Ca2+-activated K+ channels was also studied. These channels were more sensitive to internal calcium, but less sensitive to voltage than the large (Type I) channel. These channels were minimally affected by internal TEA concentrations of 10 mM, but were blocked by a 50 mM concentration. In this class of channels we found a wide range of relatively large unitary channel conductances (65-140 pS). Within this group we have characterized two types (75-80 pS and 120-125 pS) that also differ in gating kinetics. The various types of voltage-dependent, Ca2+-activated K+ channels described here were blocked by charybdotoxin added to the external side of the channel. The activity of these channels was increased by exposure to nanomolar concentrations of the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. These results indicate that voltage-dependent, charybdotoxin-sensitive Ca2+-activated K+ channels comprise a class of related, but distinguishable channel types. Although the Ca2+-activated (Type I and II) K+ channels can be distinguished by their single-channel properties, both could contribute to the voltage-dependent Ca2+-activated macroscopic K+ current (IC) that has been observed in several neuronal somata preparations, as well as in other cells. Some of the properties reported here may serve to distinguish which type contributes in each case. A third class of smaller (40-50 pS) channels was also studied. These channels were independent of calcium over the concentration range examined (10(-7)-10(-3) M), and were also independent of voltage over the range of pipette potentials of -60 to +60 mV.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

兔血管平滑肌延迟整流钾通道研究及其与克隆Kv1.5通道的电生理特性比较

本文用膜片箝全细胞技术比较了研究了单个兔肺动脉血管平滑肌细胞上延迟整流钾通道与克隆Ｋｖ１．５通道的电生理及药理学特性。将平滑肌细胞箝制在－４０ｍＶ,以１０ｍＶ的步跨阶跃去极化（０￣６０ｍＶ）可产生一系列快速上升的外向电流,几无衰减,其激活曲线的Ｖ１／２为２７．２ｍＶ。灌流液中加入１００ｍｍｏｌ／Ｌ和ＴＥＡ １ｍｍｏｌ／Ｌ ４ＡＰ,电流幅度均明显减小,细胞外Ｃａ＾２＋水平由１．５ｍｍｏｌ／Ｌ降至０．     

Electro-pharmacological profile of a mitochondrial inner membrane big-potassium channel from rat brain

Recent studies have indicated a calcium-activated large conductance potassium channel in rat brain mitochondrial inner membrane (mitoBK channel). Accordingly, we have characterized the functional and pharmacological profile of a BK channel from rat brain mitochondria in the present study. Brain mitochondrial inner membrane preparations were subjected to SDS-PAGE analysis and channel protein reconstitution into planar lipid bilayers. Western blotting and antibodies directed against various cellular proteins revealed that mitochondrial inner membrane fractions did not contain specific proteins of the other subcellular compartments except a very small fraction of endoplasmic reticulum. Channel incorporation into planar lipid bilayers revealed a voltage dependent 211 pS potassium channel with a voltage for half activation (V(1/2)) of 11.4±1.1mV and an effective gating charge z(d) of 4.7±0.9. Gating and conducting behaviors of this channel were unaffected by the addition of 2.5mM ATP, and 500 nM charybdotoxin (ChTx), but the channel appeared sensitive to 100 nM iberiotoxin (IbTx). Adding 10mM TEA at positive potentials and 10mM 4-AP at negative or positive voltages inhibited the channel activities. These results demonstrate that the mitoBK channel, present in brain mitochondrial inner membrane, displays different pharmacological properties than those classically described for plasma membrane, especially in regard to its sensitivity to iberiotoxin and charybdotoxin sensitivity.     

Evidence for two distinct potassium channels in avian granulosa cells

Single-channel potassium currents were recorded in avian granulosa cells using the patch-clamp technique. Two types of channel were observed. The smaller of the two channels, gK1, had a conductance of 15 to 30 picosiemens (pS) and was voltage- and calcium-independent. Its null-current potential was -50 mV in the cell-attached recording mode. The other channel, gK2, was infrequently observed in the cell-attached configuration. Its conductance was between 160 and 195 pS. It could be activated by calcium on the cytoplasmic side of the membrane patch in the inside-out configuration. It was also voltage-dependent. These results suggest that fast transmembrane potassium movements may be involved in the membrane voltage regulation of granulosa cells, which in turn may play an important role in the modulation of steroidogenesis and other metabolic activities.     

Single voltage-dependent K+ and Cl- channels in cultured rat astrocytes

The kinetic reactions of a voltage-dependent K+ channel, which constituted about 14% of all the recorded K+ channels in the membrane of cultured rat astrocytes were studied in detail. A scheme of one open and three closed states is necessary to describe the kinetic reactions of this channel. The channel contributes little to the resting membrane potential. Its steady state open probability (Po) is 0.06 at -70 mV. When the cell is depolarized to O mV, Po approaches 1. This represents a 17-fold increase. Such channels could contribute to the potassium clearance by enhancing the effect of "spatial buffering." Additionally, single anion-selective channels with very high conductances were found in inside-out patches in approximately 15% of all recorded channels in the membrane of rat astrocytes. Channel openings are characterized by more than one conductance level; the main level showed a mean conductance of 400 pS. These channels are divided into two groups. Approximately 90% of the recorded chloride channels showed a strong voltage dependency of their current fluctuations. Within a relatively small potential range (+/- 15 mV) the channels have a high probability of being in the active state. After a voltage jump to varying testing potentials in the range of +/- 20 to +/- 50 mV the channels continued to be in the active state for some time and then closed to a shut state. If the testing potential persisted, the channels were not able to leave this shut state.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Are Redox Reactions Involved in Regulation of K+ Channels in the Plasma Membrane of Limnobium stoloniferum Root Hairs?

The effects of the impermeant electron acceptor hexacyanoferrate III (HCF III) and the potassium channel blocker tetraethylam-monium (TEA) on the current-voltage relationship and electrical potential across the plasma membrane of Limnobium stoloniferum root hairs was investigated using a modified sucrose gap technique. One millimolar HCF III immediately and reversibly depolarized the membrane by 27 mV, whereas the effect on the trans-membrane current was markedly delayed. After 6 min of treatment with this electron acceptor, outwardly rectifying current was inhibited by 50%, whereas the inwardly rectifying current was activated approximately 3-fold. Ten millimolar TEA blocked both outward (65%) and inward (52%) currents. Differential TEA-sensitive current was shown to be blocked (55%) by HCF III at -20 mV and was shown to be stimulated (230%) by this electron acceptor at -200 mV. The inward current at -200 mV was eliminated in the absence of K+ or after addition of 10 mM Cs+ and was not affected by addition of either 10mM Na+ or Li+, independent of the presence of HCF III. The addition of any alkali cation to the external medium decreased the outward current both in the presence and in the absence of HCF III. The membrane depolarization evoked by HCF III did not correlate with the corresponding modification of the inward current. HCF III is proposed to activate inwardly rectifying potassium channels and to inactivate outwardly rectifying potassium channels. It is concluded that the plasma membrane depolarization did not result from modulation of the potassium channels by HCF III and may originate from trans-plasma membrane electron transfer.     

Voltage- and time-dependent K+ channel currents in the basolateral membrane of villus enterocytes isolated from guinea pig small intestine

Patch-clamp studies were carried out in villus enterocytes isolated from the guinea pig proximal small intestine. In the whole-cell mode, outward K+ currents were found to be activated by depolarizing command pulses to -45 mV. The activation followed fourth order kinetics. The time constant of K+ current activation was voltage-dependent, decreasing from approximately 3 ms at -10 mV to 1 ms at +50 mV. The K+ current inactivated during maintained depolarizations by a voltage- independent, monoexponential process with a time constant of approximately 470 ms. If the interpulse interval was shorter than 30 s, cumulative inactivation was observed upon repeated stimulations. The steady state inactivation was voltage-dependent over the voltage range from -70 to -30 mV with a half inactivation voltage of -46 mV. The steady state activation was also voltage-dependent with a half- activation voltage of -22 mV. The K+ current profiles were not affected by chelation of cytosolic Ca2+. The K+ current induced by a depolarizing pulse was suppressed by extracellular application of TEA+, Ba2+, 4-aminopyridine or quinine with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of 8.9 mM, 4.6 mM, 86 microM and 26 microM, respectively. The inactivation time course was accelerated by quinine but decelerated by TEA+, when applied to the extracellular (but not the intracellular) solution. Extracellular (but not intracellular) applications of verapamil and nifedipine also quickened the inactivation time course with 50% effective concentrations of 3 and 17 microM, respectively. Quinine, verapamil and nifedipine shifted the steady state inactivation curve towards more negative potentials. Outward single K+ channel events with a unitary conductance of approximately 8.4 pS were observed in excised inside-out patches of the basolateral membrane, when the patch was depolarized to -40 mV. The ensemble current rapidly activated and thereafter slowly inactivated with similar time constants to those of whole-cell K+ currents. It is concluded that the basolateral membrane of guinea pig villus enterocytes has a voltage-gated, time-dependent, Ca(2+)-insensitive, small-conductance K+ channel. Quinine, verapamil, and nifedipine accelerate the inactivation time course by affecting the inactivation gate from the external side of the cell membrane.     

Effect of ajmaline on action potential and ionic currents in rat ventricular myocytes

The effect of ajmaline on action potential (AP) and ionic current components has been investigated in right ventricular myocytes of rat at room temperature using the whole cell patch clamp technique. Ajmaline decreased the upstroke velocity ((dV/dt)max) of AP and the AP amplitude, increased the AP duration measured at 50 and 90% repolarization, and reversibly inhibited most components of membrane ionic current in a concentration-dependent manner. The following values of IC50 and of the Hill coefficient (nH) resulted from approximation of the measured data by the Hill formula: for fast sodium current (INa) IC50=27.8+/-1.14 micromol/l and nH=1.27+/-0.25 at holding potential -75 mV, IC50=47.2+/-1.16 micromol/l and nH=1.16+/-0.21 at holding potential -120 mV; for L-type calcium current (ICa-L) IC50=70.8+/-0.09 micromol/l and n(H)=0.99+/-0.09; for transient outward potassium current (Ito) IC50=25.9+/-2.91 micromol/l and nH=1.07+/-0.15; for ATP-sensitive potassium current (IK(ATP)) IC50=13.3+/-1.1 micromol/l and nH=1.16+/-0.15. The current measured at the end of 300 ms depolarizing impulse was composed of an ajmaline-insensitive component and a component inhibited with IC50=61.0+/-1.1 micromol/l and nH=0.91+/-0.08. At hyperpolarizing voltages, ajmaline at high concentration of 300 micromol/l reduced the inward moiety of time-independent potassium current (IK1) by 36%. The results indicate that the inhibition of INa causes both the decreased rate of rise of depolarizing phase and the lowered amplitude of AP. The inhibition of Ito is responsible for the ajmaline-induced AP prolongation.     

Anomalous effects of external TEA on permeation and gating of the A-type potassium current in H. aspersa neuronal somata

The model proposed for external TEA block of Shaker K+ channels predicts a proportional relationship between TEA sensitivity and calculated electrical distance derived from measurements of voltage dependence of TEA block. In the present study, we examined this relationship for the A-type K+ current (IA) of Helix aspersa in neuronal somata using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. External TEA inhibited IA with strong voltage dependence, such that the TEA dissociation constant was increased at depolarized test potentials. The half-inhibition constant (V0.5) for TEA block was approximately 21 mM at 0 mV, and V0.5 increased to approximately 67 mM at 50 mV. The calculated electrical distance for TEA block suggested that TEA traversed 65% of the way into the membrane electrical field. TEA also caused significant shifts in the voltage-dependence of A-type K+ channel gating. For example, at TEA concentrations below that required to fully suppress delayed outward currents, TEA caused depolarizing shifts in the voltage-dependence of A-type channel activation, steady-state inactivation, time for removal of inactivation, and slowed channel activation kinetics. Taken together, these observations suggest that TEA biased the local field potential near voltage-sensing domains of A-type K+ channels, causing the transmembrane electrical field to be relatively hyperpolarized in the presence of TEA. In summary, the calculated electrical distance of TEA block of A-type K+ channels in H. aspersa neurons is unprecedented among other K+ channels. This raises concerns about the conventional interpretation of this value. Furthermore, the voltage-dependent properties of IA are modified by TEA at concentrations previously used to isolate delayed rectifier potassium channels (IKDR) selectively. This lack of specificity has important implications for recent, as well as future studies of IA in H. aspersa and possibly other snail neurons.