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Results for “Potassium Channel Blockers”

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PubMed2003

Characteristics and a functional implication of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) current in mouse aortic endothelial cells.

We employed the patch-clamp technique to investigate a Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (K(Ca)) current in cultured mouse aortic endothelial cells (MAECs). In the whole-cell mode, an increase in cytosolic [Ca(2+)] ([Ca(2+)](i)) to 2 micro M activated an outwards current. The [K(+)](o)-dependent change of the reversal potentials agreed well with the predicted Nernstian relation, suggesting that it was a K(Ca) current. The Hill coefficient (4) and EC(50) (740 nM) were obtained from the current/[Ca(2+)](i) relationship. Iberiotoxin (50 nM) or apamin (200 nM) failed to inhibit the current, whereas TEA (10 mM) suppressed the current to 73.6+/-1.6% of control ( n=9). The intermediate-conductance, Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (IK(Ca)) channel blockers charybdotoxin (50 nM), clotrimazole (10 micro M) and econazole (10 micro M) inhibited the K(Ca) current to 10.5+/-1.3% ( n=6), 16.6+/-3.1% ( n=6), and 19.3+/-2.5% ( n=5) of control, respectively. The IK(Ca) channel openers chlorzoxazone, zoxazolamine and 1-ethyl-2-benz-imidazolinone and the Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel blocker niflumic acid activated the K(Ca) current. In inside-out patches, the single-channel conductance was 17.7 pS in symmetrical K(+) solutions. RT-PCR analysis showed transcripts of the murine IK1 channel (mIK1) in MAECs. The IK(Ca) channel blockers inhibited the ATP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase in MAECs and the endothelium-dependent relaxation of mouse aortic rings. In addition, the IK(Ca) channel openers augmented ATP-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase in MAECs and evoked endothelium-dependent relaxation of mouse aorta. These results suggest that an mIK1-like channel mediates the native IK(Ca) current in MAECs and may contribute to endothelium-dependent relaxation by modulating MAEC [Ca(2+)](i).

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Mitochondrial K(ATP) channels in respiratory neurons and their role in the hypoxic facilitation of rhythmic activity.

Hypoxia is damaging in neurons, but it can also produce beneficial effects by consolidating the activity of neural networks such as facilitation of respiratory activity [T.L. Baker-Herman, D.D. Fuller, R.W. Bavis, A.G. Zabka, F.J. Golder, N.J. Doperalski, R.A. Johnson, J.J. Watters, G.S. Mitchell, Nature Neuroscience 7 (2004) 48-55; J.L. Feldman, G.S. Mitchell, E.E. Nattie, Ann. Rev. Neurosci. 26 (2003) 239-266; D.M. Blitz, J.M. Ramirez, J. Neurophysiol. 87 (2002) 2964-2971]. The underlying mechanisms are unknown, and we hypothesized they may be similar to ischemic preconditioning in the heart, involving mitochondrial K(ATP) (mK(ATP)) channels. By measuring the mitochondrial potential (Psi(m)) and Ca2+ ([Ca2+]m) in neurons of pre-Botzinger complex (pBC), we examined the functional expression of mK(ATP) channels in the respiratory network. The opener of mK(ATP) channels diazoxide decreased Psi(m) and [Ca2+]m both in pBC neurons and in isolated immobilized mitochondria. 5-Hydroxydecanoate (5-HD), the blocker of mK(ATP) channels, increased both Psi(m) and [Ca2+]m. Phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) mimicked the effects of diazoxide. Protein kinase C (PKC) was stimulated during hypoxia that occurred mostly at the mitochondria. Brief hypoxia induced facilitation of the respiratory activity, which was prevented after blockade of mK(ATP) channels with 5-HD and PKC with staurosporine. Diazoxide potentiated the motor output and subsequent application of hypoxia was ineffective. We propose that a PKC-induced stimulation of K(ATP) channels in the mitochondria of respiratory neurons is responsible for the hypoxic facilitation of rhythmic activity.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Mechanisms of delayed electrical uncoupling induced by ischemic preconditioning.

Electrical uncoupling of cardiac myocytes during ischemia is delayed by ischemic preconditioning. This presumably adaptive response may limit development of arrhythmia substrates. To elucidate responsible mechanisms, we studied isolated, perfused rat hearts subjected to a standard preconditioning protocol of 3 cycles of 3 minutes of global no-flow ischemia each followed by 5 minutes of reperfusion before a 30-minute interval of ischemia. Changes in coupling were monitored by measuring whole-tissue resistance. Changes in phosphorylation and subcellular distribution of connexin43 (Cx43) were defined by quantitative immunoblotting and confocal microscopy. Preconditioning caused a 34% decrease in the maximal rate of uncoupling and delayed the time to plateau in uncoupling. Dephosphorylation of Cx43, known to occur during uncoupling induced by ischemia, was dramatically decreased in preconditioned hearts. Translocation of Cx43 from gap junctions to the cytosol, also known to occur during ischemia, was reduced by >5-fold in preconditioned hearts. The KATP channel blockers glybenclamide and 5-hydroxydecanoate prevented these effects in preconditioned hearts, whereas the KATP channel agonist diazoxide mimicked these effects in nonpreconditioned hearts. Intracellular translocation of Cx43 was blocked, but Cx43 dephosphorylation was not blocked during ischemia in preconditioned hearts treated with the PKC inhibitors chelerythrine and calphostin C. Uncoupling during ischemia was accelerated by PKC and KATP channel inhibition. Thus, delayed uncoupling in preconditioned hearts is likely related to diminished dephosphorylation and intracellular redistribution of Cx43 during prolonged ischemia. Both of these effects are regulated by activation of KATP channels, whereas PKC plays a role in internalization of Cx43.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Role of Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels in erythrocyte lysate-induced contraction of rabbit cerebral artery.

K+ channel openers may be useful in the treatment of cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, the role of Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channel (KCa) openers in cerebral vasospasm remain unclear. This study was undertaken to examine the role of KCa in hemolysate-induced contraction of rabbit cerebral and peripheral arteries: 1. Iberiotoxin (IBX), a selective KCa channel blocker, produced more pronounced contraction in basilar than in those of carotid or femoral arteries, indicating KCa channels are important regulating factors in cerebral arteries; 2. NS1619, a selective KCa channel opener, abolished the contraction of basilar artery to erythrocyte lysate, a causative agent for cerebral vasospasm; 3. In rabbit basilar artery, NS1619 relaxed the contractions to IBX, erythrocyte lysate and KCl (20 and 60 mM), indicating that NS1619, besides opening KCa channels, possesses other vasodilating actions. We conclude that KCa channels are important factors in the regulation of cerebral vascular tension and KCa channel opener NS1619 may have dual relaxant actions in cerebral arteries.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Blockage of voltage-gated K+ channels inhibits adhesion and proliferation of hepatocarcinoma cells.

Ion movements are among the early signals that could play important roles in cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. In this work, we investigated the role of K+ channels in adhesion and proliferation of H35 hepatocarcinoma cells. A variety of K+ channel blockers were used in order to differentiate the critical subtype(s) of K+ channels involved. 4-Aminopyridine, an inhibitor of voltage-gated K+ channels, significantly reduced the attachment of H35 cells to primary rat endothelial layer as determined by CFSE (5-(6-)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester) fluorescence assay. 4-Aminopyridine also inhibited the proliferation of H35 cells as measured by [3H]-thymidine incorporation. Non-selective K+ channel blockers TPeA and verapamil had similar inhibitory effects on H35 cell adhesion and proliferation. In contrast, iberiotoxin, a selective inhibitor of KCa channels, had no effect on the adhesion and proliferation of H35 cells. Glibenclamide, a potent inhibitor of KATP channels, could inhibit the cell adhesion and proliferation only at a very high concentration (100 micro M) that may block Kv channels. These experiments suggest that Kv channels play an important role in the metastasis and proliferation of hepatocarcinoma cells. Since inhibition of K+ channels would reduce Ca2+ influx in these cells, it is likely that the influence of Kv channels on H35 cell adhesion and proliferation is mediated by a Ca2+-dependent mechanism.

Animals↗

PubMed1997

Relaxation of rat resistance arteries by acetylcholine involves a dual mechanism: activation of K+ channels and formation of nitric oxide.

The relaxation of rat mesenteric resistance arteries to acetylcholine was studied in vessels (normalised internal diameter 230-330 microns) mounted in an isometric myograph and contracted with noradrenaline (5 microM). Removal of the endothelium abolished acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation, whereas pretreatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine (500 microM) only inhibited the response partly. The relaxation was, however, completely inhibited by NG-nitro-L-arginine when the arteries were contracted with 80 mM K+. Acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation was also attenuated by pretreatment with the K+ channel blocker, iberiotoxin (100 nM), and the combined pretreatment with iberiotoxin+NG-nitro-L-arginine completely blocked vasorelaxation to acetylcholine. Further, vasorelaxation to acetylcholine was attenuated by tetraethylammonium (5 mM), 4-aminopyridine (1 mM), and BaCl2 (100 microM), respectively, whereas glibenclamide (1 microM) and indomethacin (10 microM) were devoid of effect. Vasorelaxation to the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside was not influenced by iberiotoxin. We conclude that in rat mesenteric resistance arteries, there is a significant nitric oxide-independent component of acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation, which is mediated by activation of several types of K+ channels, in particular large conductance Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed2004

[Effect of arginine vasopressin on membrane potential of dorsal root ganglion neurons in rats].

The effect of arginine vasopressin (AVP) on membrane potential of neurons from dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was examined in the rat by means of intracellular recording technique. The results showed that (1) AVP induced hyperpolarization in the membrane of most DRG neurons. (2) The membrane conductance of the DRG neurons increased by 19.32% following application of AVP (p<0.05). (3) Perfusion with balance sodium solution (BSS) containing Cd(2+) (blocker of Ca(2+) channel) instead of Na+ failed to affect the AVP-induced membrane hyperpolarization of the DRG neurons (p> 0.05). After perfusion with BSS containing tetraethylammonium (TEA), however, the extent of AVP-induced hyperpolarization was reduced (p<0.05). (4) The AVP-induced hyperpolarization of the neurons was blocked by the antagonist of AVP V(1) receptors. The results demonstrate that AVP induces hyperpolarization of most DRG neurons, which might be caused by K(+) outflow mediated by AVP V(1) receptors in the membrane of the neurons.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

SKCa channels mediate the medium but not the slow calcium-activated afterhyperpolarization in cortical neurons.

Many neurons, including pyramidal cells of the cortex, express a slow afterhyperpolarization (sAHP) that regulates their firing. Although initial findings suggested that the current underlying the sAHP could be carried through SK(Ca) channels, recent work has uncovered anomalies that are not congruent with this idea. Here, we used overexpression and dominant-negative strategies to assess the involvement of SK(Ca) channels in mediating the current underlying the sAHP in pyramidal cells of the cerebral cortex. Pyramidal cells of layer V exhibit robust AHP currents composed of two kinetically and pharmacologically distinguishable currents known as the medium AHP current (I(mAHP)) and the slow AHP current (I(sAHP)). I(mAHP) is blocked by the SK(Ca) channel blockers apamin and bicuculline, whereas I(sAHP) is resistant to these agents but is inhibited by activation of muscarinic receptors. To test for a role for SK(Ca) channels, we overexpressed K(Ca)2.1 (SK1) and K(Ca)2.2 (SK2), the predominant SK(Ca) subunits expressed in the cortex, in pyramidal cells of cultured brain slices. Overexpression of K(Ca)2.1 and K(Ca)2.2 resulted in a fourfold to fivefold increase in the amplitude of I(mAHP) but had no detectable effect on I(sAHP). As an additional test, we examined I(sAHP) in a transgenic mouse expressing a truncated SK(Ca) subunit (SK3-1B) capable of acting as a dominant negative for the entire family of SK(Ca)-IK(Ca) channels. Expression of SK3-1B profoundly inhibited I(mAHP) but again had no discernable effect on I(sAHP). These results are inconsistent with the proposal that SK(Ca) channels mediate I(sAHP) in pyramidal cells and indicate that a different potassium channel mediates this current.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Electrolyte transport in the mouse trachea: no evidence for a contribution of luminal K(+) conductance.

Recent studies on frog skin acini have challenged the question whether Cl(-) secretion or Na(+) absorption in the airways is driven by luminal K(+) channels in series to a basolateral K(+) conductance. We examined the possible role of luminal K(+) channels in electrolyte transport in mouse trachea in Ussing-chamber experiments. Tracheas of both normal and CFTR (-/-) mice showed a dominant amiloride-sensitive Na+ absorption under both, control conditions and after cAMP-dependent stimulation. The lumen-negative transepithelial voltage was enhanced after application of IBMX and forskolin and Cl(-) secretion was activated. Electrolyte secretion induced by IBMX and forskolin was inhibited by luminal glibenclamide and the blocker of basolateral Na(+2)Cl(-)K(+) cotransporter azosemide. Similarly, the compound 293B, a blocker of basolateral KCNQ1/KCNE3 K(+) channels effectively blocked Cl(-) secretion when applied to either the luminal or basolateral side of the epithelium. RT-PCR analysis suggested expression of additional K(+) channels in tracheal epithelial cells such as Slo1 and Kir6.2. However, we did not detect any functional evidence for expression of luminal K(+) channels in mouse airways, using luminal 293B, clotrimazole and Ba(2+) or different K(+) channel toxins such as charybdotoxin, apamin and a-dendrotoxin. Thus, the present study demonstrates Cl(-) secretion in mouse airways, which depends on basolateral Na(+2)Cl(-)K(+) cotransport and luminal CFTR and non-CFTR Cl(-) channels. Cl(-) secretion is maintained by the activity of basolateral K(+) channels, while no clear evidence was found for the presence of a luminal K(+) conductance.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Voltage-dependent gating and block by internal spermine of the murine inwardly rectifying K+ channel, Kir2.1.

The mechanism of inward rectification was investigated by recording single-channel currents through an inwardly rectifying K+ channel (Kir2.1). cDNA encoding a wild-type (WT) channel, a mutant replacing Asp 172 with Asn (D172N), and a tandem tetramer WT-(D172N)2-WT, was transfected into COS-1 cells using the liposome method, and after 48-72 h single-channel currents were recorded in the inside-out configuration at 150 mM internal and external K+. Steady-state open probability of outward currents decreased with larger depolarizations. The activation curve was fitted with a single Boltzmann equation. The voltages of half-activation in the absence of spermine were +35.9 mV (WT), +55.0 mV (WT-(D172N)2-WT) and +76.7 mV (D172N). Open-time and zero-current-time histograms were constructed. The open-time histogram was fitted with a single exponential function. Two exponential functions were necessary to fit the closed-time histogram. In each channel, internal spermine at a concentration of 1-100 nM reduced the open time of the outward currents in a concentration-dependent manner and produced one blocked state without affecting the inward currents, suggesting that spermine acts as an open channel blocker. The normalized steady-state open probability-spermine concentration curve was fitted by saturation kinetics with a Hill coefficient of 1. On the assumption of the linear sequential state model, the unblock and blocking rates were estimated in each channel. Unblock rates depended on the number of D172N mutant subunits, but blocking rates did not. The results suggest that closing gates work independently of the spermine block and D172 is involved in both intrinsic gating and the spermine block.

Algorithms↗

PubMed1998

U-37883A potently inhibits dopamine-modulated K+ channels on rat striatal neurons.

An 85 pS K+ channel of rat caudate-putamen neurons, which is activated by dopamine D2 receptors and inhibited by sulfonylurea drugs, was studied using cell-attached patch-clamp electrophysiology. This channel was inhibited by externally-applied U-37883A (4-morpholinecarboximidine-N-1-adamantyl-N'-cyclohexyl hydrochloride), a blocker of vascular ATP-sensitive K+ channels, with a half-maximal effect at a concentration of approximately 0.1 microM. Channel inhibition occurred in a time-dependent fashion when U-37883A was applied to the membrane from a back-filled patch pipette. Inhibition was associated with a decrease in fractional open time, but was voltage-insensitive and did not alter channel conductance, suggesting an effect on channel gating at a site largely insensitive to the electrical field of the channel. U-37883A was about 50 times more potent at inhibiting this channel than was the sulfonylurea drug glibenclamide. This relative potency, opposite to that found in pancreatic tissue, indicates that U-37883A is a useful tool to distinguish amongst different subtypes of sulfonylurea-sensitive K+ channels.

Adamantane↗

PubMed2000

A synthetic channel-forming peptide induces Cl(-) secretion: modulation by Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels.

A synthetic Cl(-) channel-forming peptide, C-K4-M2GlyR, applied to the apical membrane of human epithelial cell monolayers induces transepithelial Cl(-) and fluid secretion. The sequence of the core peptide, M2GlyR, corresponds to the second membrane-spanning region of the glycine receptor, a domain thought to line the pore of the ligand-gated Cl(-) channel. Using a pharmacological approach, we show that the flux of Cl(-) through the artificial Cl(-) channel can be regulated by modulating basolateral K(+) efflux through Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels. Application of C-K4-M2GlyR to the apical surface of monolayers composed of human colonic cells of the T84 cell line generated a sustained increase in short-circuit current (I(SC)) and caused net fluid secretion. The current was inhibited by the application of clotrimazole, a non-specific inhibitor of K(+) channels, and charybdotoxin, a potent inhibitor of Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels. Direct activation of these channels with 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone (1-EBIO) greatly amplified the Cl(-) secretory current induced by C-K4-M2GlyR. The effect of the combination of C-K4-M2GlyR and 1-EBIO on I(SC) was significantly greater than the sum of the individual effects of the two compounds and was independent of cAMP. Treatment with 1-EBIO also increased the magnitude of fluid secretion induced by the peptide. The cooperative action of C-K4-M2GlyR and 1-EBIO on I(SC) was attenuated by Cl(-) transport inhibitors, by removing Cl(-) from the bathing solution and by basolateral treatment with K(+) channel blockers. These results indicate that apical membrane insertion of Cl(-) channel-forming peptides such as C-K4-M2GlyR and direct activation of basolateral K(+) channels with benzimidazolones may coordinate the apical Cl(-) conductance and the basolateral K(+) conductance, thereby providing a pharmacological approach to modulating Cl(-) and fluid secretion by human epithelia deficient in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator Cl(-) channels.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2002

Mapping the receptor site for ergtoxin, a specific blocker of ERG channels.

We show here that ergtoxin (ErgTx) is a bona fide, specific blocker of the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) channels. It does not affect the function of either M-eag or M-elk channels. A chimeric construction containing a segment of the P-region of M-eag channel inserted into the HERG channel drastically diminished or completely abolished the inhibitory effect of ErgTx, whereas chimeras of the P-region of HERG channel into M-eag channels recovered the inhibitory effect. From the P-region point mutants of HERG channel assays, only the mutant N598Q shows about 25% decrement of the ErgTx inhibitory effect. ErgTx recognizes the P-region of HERG channels, blocking the channel function with a K(d) in the order of 12 nM.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2005

Endogenous hydrogen sulfide contributes to the cardioprotection by metabolic inhibition preconditioning in the rat ventricular myocytes.

The possible role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in cardioprotection was investigated in isolated rat ventricular myocytes exposed to severe metabolic inhibition (MI) in glucose-free buffer containing 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DOG), an inhibitor of glycolysis. Pretreatment (30 min) with NaHS (a H2S donor) at concentrations of 10(-5) to 10(-4) mol/L caused a concentration related increase in cell viability and the ratio of rod-shaped cells. A time course study showed that NaHS-induced cardioprotection occurred in 2 time windows (approximately 1 h and 16-28 h). To observe whether endogenous H2S may be involved in the delayed cardioprotection response of IP, DL-propargylglycine (PAG) and beta-cyano-L-alanine (BCA; two inhibitors of H2S biosynthesis) were used. Both drugs significantly attenuated the cardioprotection produced by MI using cell viability, cellular injury index, and electrically-induced [Ca2+]i transients as end-points. These data suggest that endogenous H2S plays an important role in the cardioprotection following MI preconditioning. In an attempt to determine the mechanism of the cardioprotective effect of H2S, we examined the effect of blocking KATP channels with glibenclamide (a non-selective KATP channel blocker), 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (5-HD, a mitochondrial KATP blocker), and HMR-1098 (a sarcolemmal KATP blocker). The cardioprotective effects of NaHS were significantly attenuated by glibenclamide and HMR-1098 treatment but not by 5-HD. Inhibition of NO production with L-NG nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) also attenuated the cardioprotection of NaHS. In conclusion, our findings provide the first evidence that H2S may protect the heart most probably by activating sarcolemmal KATP channels and/or provoking NO release and the cardioprotective effects of metabolic ischemic preconditioning is, at least partially, mediated by endogenous H2S.

Alanine↗

PubMed2003

Effect of luminal ethanol on epithelial resistances and cell volume in isolated Necturus gastric mucosa.

Ethanol is a well-established "barrier breaker" in gastric mucosa, but its effects at the cellular level remain to be elucidated. Isolated Necturus antral mucosa was exposed luminally to 5-15% (v/v) ethanol at pH 3.0. Apical, basolateral, shunt, and internal resistances in surface epithelium were measured using 2-D cable analysis. Cell volume changes were determined from tetramethylammonium-loaded surface cells. Low luminal ethanol (5%) decreased basolateral resistance, presumably by opening of K+ channels, since this decrease was partially inhibited by the K+ channel blocker, quinine. Low ethanol decreased also epithelial cell volume, which was opposed by quinine, suggesting that efflux of intracellular K+ underlies this shrinkage. High luminal ethanol (15%) markedly decreased shunt and apical cell membrane resistances, and partially closed gap junctions as judged from increased epithelial internal resistance. Opening of basolateral K+ channels with resultant epithelial cell shrinkage might be among the initial steps in ethanol induced gastric injury. The changes in intraepithelial resistances provoked by stronger ethanol probably reflect emerging structural epithelial damage.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid potentiates stretch-induced contraction of canine basilar artery via PKC alpha-mediated inhibition of KCa channel.

1. The present study was undertaken to elucidate whether PKCalpha plays a role in the mechanism of the stretch-induced contraction potentiated by 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE). The effects of 20-HETE on the canine basilar artery were compared with those of iberiotoxin, a blocker of large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (K(Ca) channels), as this blocker was shown earlier to sensitize these arteries to mechanical stretch. 2. Slow stretch at rates of 0.1 to 3 mm s(-1) did not produce any contraction in normal physiological solution. 3. In the presence of 20-HETE, the slow stretch could produce contraction, which was inhibited by nicardipine, a 1,4-dihydropyridine Ca(2+) channel blocker, and gadolinium, a blocker of stretch-activated cation channels. 4. 20-HETE inhibited whole-cell K(+) current and depolarized the membrane by approximately 10 mV. These effects of 20-HETE were similar to those of iberiotoxin. 5. Calphostin C, an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), inhibited the action of 20-HETE, but not that of iberiotoxin. 6. In response to 20-HETE PKCalpha isoform was translocated from the cytosol to the membrane fraction, which translocation was inhibited by calphostin C. 7. These results suggest that 20-HETE induced sensitization of the canine basilar artery to stretch was caused by PKCalpha-mediated inhibition of K(Ca) channel activity.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Activation of Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels contributes to rhythmic firing of action potentials in mouse pancreatic beta cells.

We have applied the perforated patch whole-cell technique to beta cells within intact pancreatic islets to identify the current underlying the glucose-induced rhythmic firing of action potentials. Trains of depolarizations (to simulate glucose-induced electrical activity) resulted in the gradual (time constant: 2.3 s) development of a small (<0.8 nS) K(+) conductance. The current was dependent on Ca(2+) influx but unaffected by apamin and charybdotoxin, two blockers of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels, and was insensitive to tolbutamide (a blocker of ATP-regulated K(+) channels) but partially (>60%) blocked by high (10-20 mM) concentrations of tetraethylammonium. Upon cessation of electrical stimulation, the current deactivated exponentially with a time constant of 6.5 s. This is similar to the interval between two successive bursts of action potentials. We propose that this Ca(2+)-activated K(+) current plays an important role in the generation of oscillatory electrical activity in the beta cell.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

PubMed2003

UV-induced signaling pathways associated with corneal epithelial cell apoptosis.

PURPOSE: UV-C irradiation of corneal epithelial cells elicits K+ channel activation, which in turn causes them to undergo apoptosis. In the present study, the intermediary role played by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in mediating this response was investigated. METHODS: Western blot and kinase assays were used to measure UV-induced activation (i.e., phosphorylation) of c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK)/SEK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and p38. Corneal epithelial apoptosis was determined by measuring caspase 3 activity. RESULTS: UV-irradiation-induced increases in cell membrane K+ channel activity resulted in activations of JNK, SEK upstream of JNK, and caspase 3 downstream of JNK. Suppression of K+ channel activity with specific K+ channel blockers significantly inhibited UV-irradiation-induced activation of JNK cascades. However, suppression of K+ channel activity did not prevent hyperosmotic-stress-induced JNK activation. In addition, UV-irradiation-induced SEK/JNK activation was unaffected by removal of extracellular free Ca2+ with EGTA. CONCLUSIONS: UV-irradiation-induced corneal epithelial cell apoptosis is mediated through activation of the SEK/JNK signaling pathway. Such activation is dependent on increases in K+ channel activity, which play an important role in the early events that result in activation of this pathway.

Animals↗