Properties of single-channel and whole cell Cl− currents in guinea pig detrusor smooth muscle cells

Multiple types of Cl− channels regulate smooth muscle excitability and contractility in vascular, gastrointestinal, and airway smooth muscle cells. However, little is known about Cl− channels in detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) cells. Here, we used inside-out single channel and whole cell patch-clamp recordings for detailed biophysical and pharmacological characterizations of Cl− channels in freshly isolated guinea pig DSM cells. The recorded single Cl− channels displayed unique gating with multiple subconductive states, a fully opened single-channel conductance of 164 pS, and a reversal potential of −41.5 mV, which is close to the ECl of −65 mV, confirming preferential permeability to Cl−. The Cl− channel demonstrated strong voltage dependence of activation (half-maximum of mean open probability, V0.5, ~−20 mV) and robust prolonged openings at depolarizing voltages. The channel displayed similar gating when exposed intracellularly to solutions containing Ca2+-free or 1 mM Ca2+. In whole cell patch-clamp recordings, macroscopic current demonstrated outward rectification, inhibitions by 4,4′-diisothiocyano-2,2′-stilbenedisulfonic acid (DIDS) and niflumic acid, and insensitivity to chlorotoxin. The outward current was reversibly reduced by 94% replacement of extracellular Cl− with I−, Br−, or methanesulfonate (MsO−), resulting in anionic permeability sequence: Cl−>Br−>I−>MsO−. While intracellular Ca2+ levels (0, 300 nM, and 1 mM) did not affect the amplitude of Cl− current and outward rectification, high Ca2+ slowed voltage-step current activation at depolarizing voltages. In conclusion, our data reveal for the first time the presence of a Ca2+-independent DIDS and niflumic acid-sensitive, voltage-dependent Cl− channel in the plasma membrane of DSM cells. This channel may be a key regulator of DSM excitability.