Mercury (Hg2+) and zinc (Zn2+): Two divalent cations with different actions on voltage-activated calcium channel currents |
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Authors: | D. Büsselberg M. Pekel D. Michael B. Platt |
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Affiliation: | (1) Heinrich-Heine Universität Düsseldorf, Physiologie II, Moorenstraße 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany |
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Abstract: | Summary 1. We examined the actions of mercury (Hg2+) and zinc (Zn2+) on voltage-activated calcium channel currents of cultured rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, using the whole-cell patch clamp technique.2. Micromolar concentrations of both cations reduced voltage-activated calcium channel currents. Calcium channel currents elicited by voltage jumps from a holding potential of –80 to 0 mV (mainly L- and N-currents) were reduced by Hg2+ and Zn2+. The threshold concentration for Hg2+ effects was 0.1 µM and that for Zn2+ was 10µM. Voltage-activated calcium channel currents were abolished (>80%) with 5µM Hg2+ or 200µM Zn2+. The peak calcium current was reduced to 50% (IC50) by 1.1µM Hg2+ or 69µM Zn2+. While Zn2+ was much more effective in reducing the T-type calcium channel current—activated by jumping from –80 to –35 mV—Hg2+ showed some increased effectiveness in reducing this current.3. The effects of both cations occurred rapidly and a steady state was reached within 1–3 min. While the action of Zn2+ was not dependent on an open channel state, Hg2+ effects depended partially on channel activation.4. While both metal cations reduced the calcium channel currents over the whole voltage range, some charge screening effects were detected with Hg2+ and with higher concentrations (>100µM) of Zn2+.5. As Zn2+ in the concentration range used had no influence on resting membrane currents, Hg2+ caused a clear inward current at concentrations µM.6. In the present study we discuss whether the actions of both metals on voltage-activated calcium channel currents are mediated through the same binding site and how they may be related to their neurotoxic effects. |
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Keywords: | mercury (Hg2+) zinc (Zn2+) voltage-activated calcium channel currents metal neurotoxicity |
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