scholarly journals Ca2+-activated K+ Channels in Murine Endothelial Cells: Block by Intracellular Calcium and Magnesium

2008 ◽  
Vol 131 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Ledoux ◽  
Adrian D. Bonev ◽  
Mark T. Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Intracellular Calcium ◽  
Membrane Current ◽  
Mesenteric Arteries ◽  
Equilibrium Potential ◽  
Inward Rectification ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Additional Increase ◽  
K Channels

The intermediate (IKCa) and small (SKCa) conductance Ca2+-sensitive K+ channels in endothelial cells (ECs) modulate vascular diameter through regulation of EC membrane potential. However, contribution of IKCa and SKCa channels to membrane current and potential in native endothelial cells remains unclear. In freshly isolated endothelial cells from mouse aorta dialyzed with 3 μM free [Ca2+]i and 1 mM free [Mg2+]i, membrane currents reversed at the potassium equilibrium potential and exhibited an inward rectification at positive membrane potentials. Blockers of large-conductance, Ca2+-sensitive potassium (BKCa) and strong inward rectifier potassium (Kir) channels did not affect the membrane current. However, blockers of IKCa channels, charybdotoxin (ChTX), and of SKCa channels, apamin (Ap), significantly reduced the whole-cell current. Although IKCa and SKCa channels are intrinsically voltage independent, ChTX- and Ap-sensitive currents decreased steeply with membrane potential depolarization. Removal of intracellular Mg2+ significantly increased these currents. Moreover, concomitant reduction of the [Ca2+]i to 1 μM caused an additional increase in ChTX- and Ap-sensitive currents so that the currents exhibited theoretical outward rectification. Block of IKCa and SKCa channels caused a significant endothelial membrane potential depolarization (≈11 mV) and decrease in [Ca2+]i in mesenteric arteries in the absence of an agonist. These results indicate that [Ca2+]i can both activate and block IKCa and SKCa channels in endothelial cells, and that these channels regulate the resting membrane potential and intracellular calcium in native endothelium.

scholarly journals DIFFERENCES IN MEMBRANE POTENTIAL SENSITIVITY TO POTASSIUM CHANNEL OPENERS AND HYPOXIA BETWEEN INTACT AND CULTURED ENDOTHELIAL CELLS

2009 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-56
Author(s):  
A.I. Bondarenko ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Rat Aorta ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Signaling Mechanism ◽  
Endothelial Cell Function ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Cultured Endothelial Cells

The influence of pinacidil, an activator of ATP-sensitive K+ channels, on the membrane potential of endothelial cells from intact rat aorta and cultured endothelial cells was investigated. Pinacidil evoked a slowly developing sustained hyperpolariza-tion of endothelial cells from isolated artery with the amplitude of 15±4 mV from the resting membrane potential of –4Ш мВ. In contrast, in cultured endothelial cells pinacidil was without response. Diazoxide, another activator of ATP-sensitive K+ channels, in half of the cultured cells tested, evoked a slowly developing sustained hyperpolarization with the amplitude of 3 mV. The rest of the cells studied did not respond by membrane potential changes to diazoxide. It was suggested that high sen­sitivity of the membrane potential of in situ endothelial cells to potassium channels openers may represent a potent signaling mechanism influencing endothelial cell function upon stimula­tion of vascular KATP channels.

Screening Technologies for Inward Rectifier Potassium Channels: Discovery of New Blockers and Activators

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 420-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth B. Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
G Protein ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Inward Rectifier ◽  
Resting Potential ◽  
Equilibrium Potential ◽  
Inward Rectification ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Kir Channels ◽  
Inward Rectifier Potassium Channels

K+ channels play a critical role in maintaining the normal electrical activity of excitable cells by setting the cell resting membrane potential and by determining the shape and duration of the action potential. In nonexcitable cells, K+ channels establish electrochemical gradients necessary for maintaining salt and volume homeostasis of body fluids. Inward rectifier K+ (Kir) channels typically conduct larger inward currents than outward currents, resulting in an inwardly rectifying current versus voltage relationship. This property of inward rectification results from the voltage-dependent block of the channels by intracellular polyvalent cations and makes these channels uniquely designed for maintaining the resting potential near the K+ equilibrium potential (EK). The Kir family of channels consist of seven subfamilies of channels (Kir1.x through Kir7.x) that include the classic inward rectifier (Kir2.x) channel, the G-protein-gated inward rectifier K+ (GIRK) (Kir3.x), and the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive (KATP) (Kir 6.x) channels as well as the renal Kir1.1 (ROMK), Kir4.1, and Kir7.1 channels. These channels not only function to regulate electrical/electrolyte transport activity, but also serve as effector molecules for G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and as molecular sensors for cell metabolism. Of significance, Kir channels represent promising pharmacological targets for treating a number of clinical conditions, including cardiac arrhythmias, anxiety, chronic pain, and hypertension. This review provides a brief background on the structure, function, and pharmacology of Kir channels and then focuses on describing and evaluating current high-throughput screening (HTS) technologies, such as membrane potential-sensitive fluorescent dye assays, ion flux measurements, and automated patch clamp systems used for Kir channel drug discovery.

Inwardly rectifying K+ channels in esophageal smooth muscle

2000 ◽  
Vol 279 (5) ◽  
pp. G951-G960 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junzhi Ji ◽  
Anne Marie F. Salapatek ◽  
Nicholas E. Diamant
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Longitudinal Muscle ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Equilibrium Potential ◽  
Inward Rectification ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Patch Clamp Technique ◽  
Membrane Hyperpolarization ◽  
Inward Current ◽  
Inwardly Rectifying

The whole cell patch-clamp technique was used to investigate whether there were inwardly rectifying K+(Kir) channels in the longitudinal muscle of cat esophagus. Inward currents were observable on membrane hyperpolarization negative to the K+ equilibrium potential ( E k) in freshly isolated esophageal longitudinal muscle cells. The current-voltage relationship exhibited strong inward rectification with a reversal potential ( E rev) of −76.5 mV. Elevation of external K+ increased the inward current amplitude and positively shifted its E rev after the E k, suggesting that potassium ions carry this current. External Ba2+ and Cs+ inhibited this inward current, with hyperpolarization remarkably increasing the inhibition. The IC50 for Ba2+ and Cs+ at −60 mV was 2.9 and 1.6 mM, respectively. Furthermore, external Ba2+ of 10 μM moderately depolarized the resting membrane potential of the longitudinal muscle cells by 6.3 mV while inhibiting the inward rectification. We conclude that Kir channels are present in the longitudinal muscle of cat esophagus, where they contribute to its resting membrane potential.

scholarly journals EPSPs in rat neocortical neurons in vitro. I. Electrophysiological evidence for two distinct EPSPs

1989 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 607-620 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Sutor ◽  
J. J. Hablitz
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Outward Current ◽  
Pyramidal Cells ◽  
Input Resistance ◽  
Membrane Current ◽  
Inward Rectification ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Bipolar Electrode ◽  
Postsynaptic Potentials ◽  
Current Pulses

1. To investigate excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs), intracellular recordings were performed in layer II/III neurons of the rat medial frontal cortex. The average resting membrane potential of the neurons was more than -75 mV and their average input resistance was greater than 20 M omega. The amplitudes of the action potentials evoked by injection of depolarizing current pulses were greater than 100 mV. The electrophysiological properties of the neurons recorded were similar to those of regular-spiking pyramidal cells. 2. Current-voltage relationships, determined by injecting inward and outward current pulses, displayed considerable inward rectification in both the depolarizing and hyperpolarizing directions. The steady-state input resistance increased with depolarization and decreased with hyperpolarization, concomitant with increases and decreases, respectively, in the membrane time constant. 3. Postsynaptic potentials were evoked by electrical stimulation via a bipolar electrode positioned in layer IV of the neocortex. Stimulus-response relationships, determined by gradually increasing the stimulus intensity, were consistent among the population of neurons examined. A short-latency EPSP [early EPSP (eEPSP)] was the response with the lowest threshold. Amplitudes of the eEPSP ranged from 4 to 8 mV. Following a hyperpolarization of the membrane potential, the amplitude of the eEPSP decreased. Upon depolarization, a slight increase in amplitude and duration was observed, accompanied by a significant increase in time to peak. 4. The membrane current underlying the eEPSP (eEPSC) was measured using the single-electrode voltage-clamp method. The amplitude of the eEPSC was apparently independent of the membrane potential in 8 of 12 neurons tested. In the other 4 neurons, the amplitude of the eEPSC increased with hyperpolarization and decreased with depolarization. 5. Higher stimulus intensities evoked, in addition to the eEPSP, a delayed EPSP [late EPSP (lEPSP)] in greater than 90% of the neurons tested. The amplitude of the lEPSP ranged from 12 to 20 mV, and the latency varied between 20 and 60 ms. The amplitude of the lEPSP varied with membrane potential, decreasing with depolarization and increasing following hyperpolarization. The membrane current underlying the lEPSP (lEPSC) displayed a similar voltage dependence. 6. At stimulus intensities that led to the activation of inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs), the lEPSP was no longer observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Ca2+-activated Cl− current in cultured myenteric neurons from murine proximal colon

2003 ◽  
Vol 284 (4) ◽  
pp. C839-C847 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sok Han Kang ◽  
Pieter Vanden Berghe ◽  
Terence K. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Channel Blocker ◽  
Reversal Potential ◽  
Outward Current ◽  
Proximal Colon ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Equilibrium Potential ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Myenteric Neurons ◽  
Whole Cell Patch Clamp

Whole cell patch-clamp recordings were made from cultured myenteric neurons taken from murine proximal colon. The micropipette contained Cs+ to remove K+ currents. Depolarization elicited a slowly activating time-dependent outward current ( I tdo), whereas repolarization was followed by a slowly deactivating tail current ( I tail). I tdo and I tail were present in ∼70% of neurons. We identified these currents as Cl− currents ( I Cl), because changing the transmembrane Cl− gradient altered the measured reversal potential ( E rev) of both I tdo and I tail with that for I tailshifted close to the calculated Cl− equilibrium potential ( E Cl). I Cl are Ca2+-activated Cl− current [ I Cl(Ca)] because they were Ca2+dependent. E Cl, which was measured from the E rev of I Cl(Ca) using a gramicidin perforated patch, was −33 mV. This value is more positive than the resting membrane potential (−56.3 ± 2.7 mV), suggesting myenteric neurons accumulate intracellular Cl−. ω-Conotoxin GIVA [0.3 μM; N-type Ca2+ channel blocker] and niflumic acid [10 μM; known I Cl(Ca) blocker], decreased the I Cl(Ca). In conclusion, these neurons have I Cl(Ca) that are activated by Ca2+entry through N-type Ca2+ channels. These currents likely regulate postspike frequency adaptation.

Control of intracellular calcium by membrane potential in human melanoma cells

1993 ◽  
Vol 265 (6) ◽  
pp. C1501-C1510 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Nilius ◽  
G. Schwarz ◽  
G. Droogmans
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Intracellular Calcium ◽  
Reversal Potential ◽  
Melanoma Cells ◽  
Human Melanoma ◽  
Resting Potential ◽  
Equilibrium Potential ◽  
Patch Clamp Technique ◽  
Human Melanoma Cells

The modulation of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) by the membrane potential was investigated in human melanoma cells by combining the nystatin-perforated patch-clamp technique with Ca2+ measurements. Voltage steps to -100 mV induced a rise in [Ca2+]i and a creeping inward current. These effects were absent in Ca(2+)-free solution and could be blocked by Ni2+ or La3+. Voltage ramps revealed a close correlation between [Ca2+]i and voltage, with the strongest voltage dependence around the resting potential. Long-lasting tail currents, closely correlated with the rise in [Ca2+]i and a reversal potential close to the K+ equilibrium potential, occurred if the membrane potential was clamped back to 0 mV. They were absent if intracellular K+ was replaced by Cs+ and blocked by extracellular tetraethylammonium (5 mM), Ba2+ (1 mM), or a membrane-permeable adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate analogue. These observations are discussed in relation to cell proliferation. The enhanced expression of K+ channels during cell proliferation provides a positive-feedback mechanism resulting in long-term changes in [Ca2+]i required for the G1-S transition in the cell cycle.

Inward rectifier K+ currents in smooth muscle cells from rat coronary arteries: block by Mg2+, Ca2+, and Ba2+

1996 ◽  
Vol 271 (2) ◽  
pp. H696-H705 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. E. Robertson ◽  
A. D. Bonev ◽  
M. T. Nelson
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Coronary Arteries ◽  
Inward Rectifier ◽  
Inward Rectification ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Inward Currents ◽  
K Currents

Inward rectifier K+ channels have been implicated in the control of membrane potential and external K(+)-induced dilations of small coronary arteries. To identify and characterize inward rectifier K+ currents in coronary artery smooth muscle, whole cell K+ currents in smooth muscle cells enzymatically isolated from rat coronary (septal) arteries (diameters, 100-150 microns) were measured in the conventional and perforated configurations of the patch-clamp technique. Ba(2+)-sensitive, whole cell K+ current-voltage relationships exhibited inward rectification. Blockers of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels (1 mM tetraethylammonium ion), ATP-sensitive K+ channels (10 microM glibenclamide), and voltage-dependent K+ channels (1 mM 4-aminopyridine) in smooth muscle did not affect inward rectifier K+ currents. The nonselective K+ channel inhibitor phencyclidine (100 microM) reduced inward rectifier K+ currents by approximately 50%. External Ba2+ reduced inward currents, with membrane potential hyperpolarization increasing inhibition. The half-inhibition constant for Ba2+ was 2.1 microM at -60 mV, decreasing e-fold for a 25-mV hyperpolarization. External Cs+ also blocked inward rectifier K+ currents, with the half-inhibition constant for Cs+ of 2.9 mM at -60 mV. External Ca2+ and Mg2+ reduced inward rectifier K+ currents. At -60 mV, Ca2+ and Mg2+ (1 mM) reduced inward currents by 33 and 21%, respectively. Inward rectification was not affected by dialysis of the cell's interior with a nominally Ca(2+)- and Mg(2+)-free solution. These findings indicate that inward rectifier K+ channels exist in coronary artery smooth muscle and that Ba2+ may be a useful probe for the functional role of inward rectifier K+ channels in coronary arteries.

scholarly journals Human Myoblast Fusion Requires Expression of Functional Inward Rectifier Kir2.1 Channels

2001 ◽  
Vol 153 (4) ◽  
pp. 677-686 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Fischer-Lougheed ◽  
Jian-Hui Liu ◽  
Estelle Espinos ◽  
David Mordasini ◽  
Charles R. Bader ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Membrane Potential ◽  
Muscle Development ◽  
Myoblast Fusion ◽  
Inward Rectifier ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Skeletal Muscle Development ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Window Current ◽  
Human Myoblast

Myoblast fusion is essential to skeletal muscle development and repair. We have demonstrated previously that human myoblasts hyperpolarize, before fusion, through the sequential expression of two K+ channels: an ether-à-go-go and an inward rectifier. This hyperpolarization is a prerequisite for fusion, as it sets the resting membrane potential in a range at which Ca2+ can enter myoblasts and thereby trigger fusion via a window current through α1H T channels.

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