scholarly journals A novel structural class of K+-channel blocking toxin from the scorpion Pandinus imperator

1996 ◽  
Vol 315 (3) ◽  
pp. 977-981 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timoteo OLAMENDI-PORTUGAL ◽  
Froylan GÓMEZ-LAGUNAS ◽  
Georgina B. GURROLA ◽  
Lourival D. POSSANI
Keyword(s):  
Channel Blocker ◽  
General Structure ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
The Other ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Synaptosomal Membranes ◽  
Enzymic Hydrolysis ◽  
Structural Class ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Channel Blocking

A novel peptide was purified and characterized from the venom of the scorpion Pandinus imperator. Analysis of its primary structure reveals that it belongs to a new structural class of K+-channel blocking peptide, composed of only 35 amino acids, but cross-linked by four disulphide bridges. It is 40, 43 and 46% identical to noxiustoxin, margatoxin and toxin 1 of Centruroides limpidus respectively. However, it is less similar (26 to 37% identity) to toxins from scorpions of the geni Leiurus, Androctonus and Buthus. The disulphide pairing was determined by sequencing heterodimers produced by mild enzymic hydrolysis. They are formed between Cys-4–Cys-25, Cys-10–Cys-30, Cys-14–Cys-32 and Cys-20–Cys-35. Three-dimensional modelling, using the parameters determined for charybdotoxin, showed that is it possible to accommodate the four disulphide bridges in the same general structure of the other K+-channel blocking peptides. The new peptide (Pi1) blocks Shaker B K+ channels reversibly. It also displaces the binding of a known K+-channel blocker, [125I]noxiustoxin, from rat brain synaptosomal membranes with an IC50 of about 10 nM.

Enhanced role of K+ channels in relaxations of hypercholesterolemic rabbit carotid artery to NO

1995 ◽  
Vol 269 (3) ◽  
pp. H805-H811 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Najibi ◽  
R. A. Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Sodium Nitroprusside ◽  
Channel Blocker ◽  
Isometric Tension ◽  
K Channel ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Rabbit Carotid Artery ◽  
Cyclic Monophosphate ◽  
Endothelium Dependent Relaxation

Endothelium-dependent relaxations to acetylcholine remain normal in the carotid artery of hypercholesterolemic rabbits, but unlike endothelium-dependent relaxations of normal rabbits, they are inhibited by charybdotoxin, a specific blocker of Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels. Because nitric oxide (NO) is the mediator of endothelium-dependent relaxation and can activate Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels directly or via guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, the present study investigated the role of Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels in relaxations caused by NO, sodium nitroprusside, and 8-bromoguanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-Brc-GMP) in hypercholesterolemic rabbit carotid artery. Isometric tension was measured in rabbit carotid artery denuded of endothelium from normal and hypercholesterolemic rabbits which were fed 0.5% cholesterol for 12 wk. Under control conditions, relaxations to all agents were similar in normal and hypercholesterolemic rabbit arteries. Charybdotoxin had no significant effect on relaxations of normal arteries to NO, sodium nitroprusside, or 8-BrcGMP, but the Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channel blocker significantly inhibited the relaxations caused by each of these agents in the arteries from hypercholesterolemic rabbits. By contrast, relaxations to the calcium channel blocker nifedipine were potentiated to a similar extent by charybdotoxin in both groups. In addition, arteries from hypercholesterolemic rabbits relaxed less than normal to sodium nitroprusside when contracted with depolarizing potassium solution. These results indicate that although nitrovasodilator relaxations are normal in the hypercholesterolemic rabbit carotid artery, they are mediated differently, and to a greater extent, by Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels. These data also suggest that K+ channel-independent mechanism(s) are impaired in hypercholesterolemia.

Rat Prl and TSH secretion are regulated differently by K(+)-channel blockers

1994 ◽  
Vol 266 (1) ◽  
pp. E39-E43 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. Wang ◽  
T. Inukai ◽  
M. A. Greer ◽  
S. E. Greer
Keyword(s):  
Channel Blocker ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
Pituitary Cells ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Tsh Secretion

All four different K(+)-channel blockers [tetraethylammonium (TEA), a nonselective K(+)-channel blocker; tolbutamide, an ATP-sensitive K(+)-channel blocker; quinine and 4-aminopyridine, both primarily voltage-dependent K(+)-channel blockers] stimulated prolactin (Prl) secretion by acutely dispersed anterior pituitary cells but had no effect on thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion. TEA stimulated Prl secretion in a dose-dependent manner between 1 microM and 20 mM, but even as high as 20 mM, TEA did not induce TSH secretion. Valinomycin (2 microM), a K+ ionophore, inhibited both basal and TEA-induced Prl secretion. TEA-stimulated Prl secretion was abolished by using a Ca(2+)-depleted medium or adding 10 microM dopamine. TEA did not reverse the inhibitory effect of dopamine on thyrotropin-releasing hormone-induced Prl secretion. Our data indicate that K+ channels may play a role in the secretion of adenohypophysial hormones that is idiosyncratic for each hormone. Differences in the role of K+ channels may reflect differences between the various pituitary cell types in plasma membrane ion channel composition, membrane potential, or the mechanism of exocytosis.

Subtypes of K+ channels differentiated by the effect of K+ channel openers upon K+ channel blocker-induced seizures

1989 ◽  
Vol 495 (1) ◽  
pp. 189-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel Gandolfo ◽  
Claude Gottesmann ◽  
Jean-Noël Bidard ◽  
Michel Lazdunski
Keyword(s):  
Channel Blocker ◽  
K Channel ◽  
K Channels

Ventilation-induced pulmonary vasodilation at birth is modulated by potassium channel activity

1996 ◽  
Vol 271 (6) ◽  
pp. H2353-H2359 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Tristani-Firouzi ◽  
E. B. Martin ◽  
S. Tolarova ◽  
E. K. Weir ◽  
S. L. Archer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Vascular Resistance ◽  
Pulmonary Circulation ◽  
Channel Blocker ◽  
Left Pulmonary Artery ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Pulmonary Hemodynamics ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Channel Inhibition ◽  
Gli 1

At birth, pulmonary blood flow rapidly increases 8- to 10-fold, and pulmonary arterial pressure falls by 50% within 24 h. The postnatal adaptation of the pulmonary circulation is mediated, in part, by endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO). Recent studies suggest that EDNO may reduce vascular resistance, in part, by activating K+ channels. We hypothesized that K+ channels modulate the changes in pulmonary hemodynamics associated with birth. To test this hypothesis, we studied the effect of K+ channel inhibition on two separate, but interdependent stimuli: 1) mechanical ventilation with low inspired O2 concentrations (designed to maintain normal fetal blood gas tensions) and 2) mechanical ventilation with high inspired O2 concentrations. Tetraethyl-ammonium (TEA, 1 mg/min for 100 min; n = 5), a nonspecific K+ channel blocker, glibenclamide (Gli, 1 mg/min for 30 min; n = 6), an ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker, or saline (n = 7) was infused into the left pulmonary artery (LPA) of acutely instrumented fetal lambs. The umbilical-placental circulation remained intact, and lambs were ventilated with 0.10 inspired O2 concentration (FIO2) for 60 min, followed by 1.0 FIO2 for 20 min. Neither TEA nor Gli had an effect on basal pulmonary tone. TEA attenuated the increase in LPA flow and decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance in response to mechanical ventilation with 0.10 and 1.0 FIO2; Gli had no effect. These results support the hypothesis that non-ATP-sensitive K+ channels modulate the transition from fetal to neonatal pulmonary circulation.

scholarly journals K+ reabsorption by the lower Malpighian tubule of Rhodnius prolixus: inhibition by Ba2+ and blockers of H+/K+-ATPases

1997 ◽  
Vol 200 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Haley ◽  
M Donnell
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Gastric Mucosa ◽  
Channel Blocker ◽  
Basolateral Membrane ◽  
Malpighian Tubule ◽  
Blood Feeding ◽  
Rhodnius Prolixus ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Bafilomycin A1 ◽  
K Channels

Active K+ reabsorption by the lower Malpighian tubule of the blood-feeding hemipteran Rhodnius prolixus does not involve the amiloride-sensitive K+/H+ exchangers or V-type H+-ATPases implicated in secretion of ions from haemolymph to lumen in the upper tubule. Amiloride, N-ethylmaleimide, 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazol and bafilomycin A1 inhibit haemolymph-to-lumen secretion of Na+ and K+ by the upper Malpighian tubule, but have little or no effect on lumen-to-haemolymph reabsorption of K+ by the lower tubule. The effects of inhibitors of H+/K+-ATPases, including omeprazole and SCH 28080, suggest that a pump similar to the H+/K+-ATPase of the gastric mucosa is involved in KCl reabsorption. The presence of K+ channels in the basolateral membrane in the lower Malpighian tubule is suggested by inhibition of KCl reabsorption by basolateral but not apical application of the K+ channel blocker Ba2+, and by blockade of K+-dependent changes in membrane potential by Ba2+. It is proposed, therefore, that K+ is pumped from lumen to cell by an ATP-dependent pump resembling the H+/K+-ATPase of the gastric mucosa, and that K+ leaks from cell to bathing saline (haemolymph) via an electrodiffusive pathway (i.e. K+ channels).

Structural Correlates of K+ Channel Function

Physiology ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 169-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Taglialatela ◽  
AM Brown
Keyword(s):  
Ion Channel ◽  
Ionic Currents ◽  
The Other ◽  
K Channel ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Channel Function ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
K Currents

More complementary DNAs have been cloned for Voltage-dependent K+ channels than any other voltage-dependent ion channel. Purely functional studies anticipated this result because K+ currents are far more diverse than voltage-dependent Na+, Ca2+, or Cl currents, the other types of voltage-dependent ionic currents commonly dealt with.

Charybdotoxin and its effects on potassium channels

1995 ◽  
Vol 269 (1) ◽  
pp. C1-C10 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. L. Garcia ◽  
H. G. Knaus ◽  
P. Munujos ◽  
R. S. Slaughter ◽  
G. J. Kaczorowski
Keyword(s):  
Functional Role ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Site Directed Mutagenesis ◽  
Dimensional Structure ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Molecular Pharmacology ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Amino Acid Peptide ◽  
Interaction Surface ◽  
High Conductance

Over the last few years, a considerable amount of information has been obtained regarding K+ channels. Different areas of research have contributed to knowledge in this field. Charybdotoxin (ChTX), a 37-amino acid peptide isolated from venom of the scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus var. hebraeus, represents a remarkable tool for studying K+ channels. With its use, it has been possible to purify the high-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ (maxi-K) channel to homogeneity and determine the subunit composition of this channel. This has led to the discovery of an auxiliary beta-subunit that, when coexpressed with the pore-forming subunit, mSlo, alters the biophysical and pharmacological properties of this latter subunit. With the feasibility of producing large amounts of ChTX by recombinant techniques and the knowledge of the three-dimensional structure of the peptide, it has been possible to carry out site-directed mutagenesis studies and obtain a picture of the interaction surface of the toxin with two channels, maxi-K and Shaker, and to derive a picture of the complementary surface of the receptor in these two channels. Finally, ChTX, and the more selective K+ channel toxins that were subsequently discovered, have provided us with unique tools not only to determine the functional role that K+ channels play in target tissues but also to develop the molecular pharmacology of these channels.

Mechanism of H2O2-induced modulation of airway smooth muscle

1992 ◽  
Vol 263 (6) ◽  
pp. L714-L722 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. B. Gupta ◽  
K. Prasad
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Channel Blocker ◽  
Ringer Solution ◽  
Tracheal Smooth Muscle ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Nitric Oxide Synthesis ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Relaxing Factor ◽  
Acid Metabolites

We investigated the effects of H2O2 generated by glucose (G) and glucose oxidase (GO) on the isolated rabbit tracheal smooth muscle suspended in Krebs-Ringer solution. H2O2 generated by G+GO was measured with luminol-dependent chemiluminescence. G+GO in the concentrations of 1x (1.80 microM G, 0.075 U/ml GO) and 2, 4, and 8x generated 1.35, 3.2, 6.10, and 6.00 microM of H2O2, respectively. H2O2 produced relaxation of rabbit tracheal smooth muscle, relaxed acetylcholine (ACh)-precontracted muscle, and reduced muscle responsiveness to ACh. These effects were concentration dependent. H2O2, however, produced contraction of guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle. Catalase completely inhibited the H2O2-induced relaxation of ACh-precontracted tracheal smooth muscle. H2O2-induced relaxation was greater in preparations with intact epithelium (65%) than in those denuded of epithelium (40%). The relaxant effects of H2O2 in the presence of an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis (NG-monomethyl-L-arginine), an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase (methylene blue), an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (indomethacin), and an ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker (glipizide) were 44, 44, 39, and 48%, respectively. H2O2-induced relaxation in the presence of indomethacin in preparations with denuded epithelium was 29%. These results suggest that H2O2-induced relaxation of tracheal smooth muscle is partly epithelium dependent and is mediated by inhibitory arachidonic acid metabolites, epithelium-derived relaxing factor (nitric oxide), ATP-sensitive K+ channels, and the synthesis and release of prostaglandins from epithelium and the underlying smooth muscle.

scholarly journals Cobatoxin 1 from Centruroides noxius scorpion venom: chemical synthesis, three-dimensional structure in solution, pharmacology and docking on K+ channels

2004 ◽  
Vol 377 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Besma JOUIROU ◽  
Amor MOSBAH ◽  
Violeta VISAN ◽  
Stephan GRISSMER ◽  
Sarrah M'BAREK ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Synthesis ◽  
Solution Structure ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Docking Simulation ◽  
Dimensional Structure ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Dimensional Solution ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Voltage Gated ◽  
Centruroides Noxius

CoTX1 (cobatoxin 1) is a 32-residue toxin with three disulphide bridges that has been isolated from the venom of the Mexican scorpion Centruroides noxius Hoffmann. Here we report the chemical synthesis, disulphide bridge organization, 3-D (three-dimensional) solution structure determination, pharmacology on K+ channel subtypes (voltage-gated and Ca2+-activated) and docking-simulation experiments. An enzyme-based cleavage of the synthetic folded/oxidized CoTX1 indicated half-cystine pairs between Cys3-Cys22, Cys8-Cys27 and Cys12-Cys29. The 3-D structure of CoTX1 (solved by 1H-NMR) showed that it folds according to the common α/β scaffold of scorpion toxins. In vivo, CoTX1 was lethal after intracerebroventricular injection to mice (LD50 value of 0.5 µg/mouse). In vitro, CoTX1 tested on cells expressing various voltage-gated or Ca2+-activated (IKCa1) K+ channels showed potent inhibition of currents from rat Kv1.2 (Kd value of 27 nM). CoTX1 also weakly competed with 125I-labelled apamin for binding to SKCa channels (small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels) on rat brain synaptosomes (IC50 value of 7.2 µM). The 3-D structure of CoTX1 was used in docking experiments which suggests a key role of Arg6 or Lys10, Arg14, Arg18, Lys21 (dyad), Ile23, Asn24, Lys28 and Tyr30 (dyad) residues of CoTX1 in its interaction with the rat Kv1.2 channel. In addition, a [Pro7,Gln9]-CoTX1 analogue (ACoTX1) was synthesized. The two residue replacements were selected aiming to restore the RPCQ motif in order to increase peptide affinity towards SKCa channels, and to alter the CoTX1 dipole moment such that it is expected to decrease peptide activity on Kv channels. Unexpectedly, ACoTX1 exhibited an activity similar to that of CoTX1 towards SKCa channels, while it was markedly more potent on IKCa1 and several voltage-gated K+ channels.

Pharmacological coupling and functional role for CGRP receptors in the vasodilation of rat pial arterioles

1996 ◽  
Vol 270 (1) ◽  
pp. H317-H323 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. W. Hong ◽  
S. E. Yoo ◽  
S. S. Yu ◽  
J. Y. Lee ◽  
B. Y. Rhim
Keyword(s):  
Channel Blocker ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Receptor Subtype ◽  
Camp Production ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Cranial Window ◽  
Pial Arterioles ◽  
Vasodilator Action

In this study, we investigated the signal transduction underlying the vasodilator action of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the rat pial arterioles. In an in vivo experiment, changes in pial arterial diameters (20.2 +/- 1.9 microns) were observed under suffusion with mock cerebrospinal fluid containing CGRP (10(-9)-10(-7) M) directly through a closed cranial window. Changes in intracellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation in response to CGRP and levcromakalim were measured in the pial arterioles in an in vitro experiment. CGRP-induced vasodilation and cAMP production were significantly inhibited by specific CGRP antibody serum and CGRP-(8-37) fragment, suggesting involvement of the CGRP1 receptor subtype. Vasodilation and increase in cAMP production evoked by CGRP were inhibited not only by glibenclamide (ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker) but also by charybdotoxin (large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel blocker), but this was not the case for the isoproterenol-induced vasodilation and cAMP production. These findings implicate the ATP-sensitive K+ channels and the large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in the CGRP receptor-coupled cAMP production for vasodilation. Further study is required to identify whether the cAMP-dependent K+ channel activation is related to CGRP-induced vasorelaxation of the rat pial arterioles.

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