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F M Ashcroft

Publications and source records attributed to F M Ashcroft.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

Tolbutamide reverses membrane hyperpolarisation induced by activation of D2 receptors and GABAB receptors in isolated substantia nigra neurones.

A high density of binding sites for sulphonylureas is found in the substantia nigra. These binding sites may be linked to ATP-regulated K-channels (K-ATP channels) as sulphonylureas selectively inhibit these channels in pancreatic beta-cells. We have studied the effect of the sulphonylurea tolbutamide on the electrical properties of freshly isolated neurones from guinea-pig substantia nigra, using the perforated patch technique. In spontaneously firing cells, both the D2 agonist quinpirole and the GABAB agonist baclofen abolished firing, hyperpolarised the cell and increased the whole-cell conductance. Tolbutamide reversed all three effects, but was without effect in the absence of quinpirole or baclofen. We suggest that D2 and GABAB receptors activate a K-channel that is blocked by tolbutamide.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Two types of Ca channel in rat pancreatic beta-cells.

Ba currents flowing through single Ca-channels were recorded from cell-attached patches on rat pancreatic beta-cells. Two types of voltage-activated Ca-channels were found. The first (T-type) had a single channel conductance of 8 pS in 100 mM Ba, was activated at a low threshold (around -50mV) and inactivated by holding potentials positive to -40 mV. These properties are similar to those described for T-type channels in other preparations. The second type of Ca-channel (L-type) had a single channel conductance of 20pS in 100 mM Ba, was activated at a higher threshold (greater than -30mV), showed little inactivation during a 250 ms pulse and could be activated from a holding potential of -40mV. The dihydropyridine agonist BAY K 8644 selectively prolonged L-type Ca-channel openings. These properties are characteristic of L-type Ca-channels.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed1989

Modulation of dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels by glucose metabolism in mouse pancreatic beta-cells.

Glucose stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreatic beta-cell by increasing the cytosolic calcium concentration. It is believed that this increment results mainly from Ca2+ influx through dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels because insulin secretion is abolished by dihydropyridine antagonists and is potentiated by dihydropyridine agonists. Glucose may influence Ca2+ influx through these channels in two ways: either by regulating the beta-cell membrane potential or by biochemical modulation of the channel itself. The former mechanism is well established. Glucose metabolism, by closing ATP-sensitive K+ channels, depolarizes the beta-cell membrane and initiates Ca2+-dependent electrical activity, with higher glucose concentrations further increasing Ca2+ influx by raising the frequency of action potentials. We show here that glucose metabolism also increases calcium influx directly, by modulating the activity of dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed1989

The dependence on intracellular ATP concentration of ATP-sensitive K-channels and of Na,K-ATPase in intact HIT-T15 beta-cells.

We have studied the effects of changes of intracellular ATP concentration ([ATP]i) on the activity of ATP-sensitive K-channels (IK(ATP] and of Na,K-ATPase in intact cells of the insulin-secreting cell-line HIT-T15. Pre-exposure of HIT beta-cells to oligomycin caused a dose-dependent reduction in [ATP]i. Marked activation of IK(ATP) activity was found when ATP was lowered below 3 mM. Na,K-ATPase was progressively inhibited as ATP was lowered to 1.5 mM. These data demonstrate that changes in intracellular ATP in the millimolar range markedly influence the activity of two beta-cell membrane proteins having affinities for ATP in the micromolar range. This suggests that submembrane [ATP] may be considerably below the measured bulk cytosolic concentration. The findings also support the proposed role of intracellular ATP in mediating effects of changes in glucose concentration on the activity of beta-cell IK(ATP) and insulin secretion.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1989

The ATP- and tolbutamide-sensitivity of the ATP-sensitive K-channel from human pancreatic B cells.

The ATP- and sulphonylurea-sensitivity of the ATP-sensitive K-channel was measured in human pancreatic B cells. In inside-out patches, half-maximal inhibition of channel activity was produced by 10 mumol/l ATP (with 2 mM Mg2+) and ATP-inhibition was partially antagonised by ADP. A significantly lower sensitivity to ATP was found in whole-cell recordings. Tolbutamide inhibited whole-cell ATP-sensitive K-currents half-maximally at 18 mumol/l; the sensitivity to tolbutamide was somewhat less in the inside-out patch. Ca-activated K-channels were unaffected by tolbutamide (10 mmol/l). These results resemble those found for rodent B cells and suggest that sulphonylureas exert their therapeutic effects in Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes by inhibition of the ATP-sensitive K-channel.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1989

ATP-sensitive K-channels in HIT T15 beta-cells studied by patch-clamp methods, 86Rb efflux and glibenclamide binding.

ATP-sensitive K-channels in the cloned beta-cell line HIT T15 were studied by patch-clamp methods; by measurement of 86Rb efflux; and by [3H]glibenclamide binding to isolated membrane preparations. In inside-out patches a 50 pS K-channel was found which was blocked by ATP or tolbutamide applied to the intracellular membrane surface. A minimum estimate of about 500 channels per beta-cell was obtained by combining whole-cell and single-channel data. The rate of efflux of 86Rb from 86RbCl-loaded HIT cells was markedly increased by intracellular ATP-depletion; 86Rb-efflux was progressively inhibited by increasing concentrations of glibenclamide or tolbutamide. In non-ATP-depleted cells, diazoxide elicited a concentration-dependent stimulation of 86Rb-efflux which was completely blocked by 1 microM glibenclamide. Isolated membranes showed dose-dependent saturable binding of [3H]glibenclamide to both high (Kd = 1.12 nM) and low (Kd = 136 nM) affinity binding sites. We estimate about 5000 high-affinity binding sites per cell. [3H]-glibenclamide binding was inhibited by tolbutamide (IC50 = 125 microM) but was not affected by diazoxide. ADP (0.5 or 1.0 mM) markedly reduced binding; other nucleotides tested were ineffective.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed1989

Rubidium and sodium permeability of the ATP-sensitive K+ channel in single rat pancreatic beta-cells.

1. The patch-clamp method has been used to study the selectivity of single ATP-sensitive potassium channels in excised membrane patches from dissociated rat pancreatic beta-cells. 2. In symmetrical K+ concentrations the current-voltage relation of this channel showed slight inward rectification. The K+ permeability coefficient was 1.05 x 10(-13) cm3/s ([K+]o = 140 mM; 20 degrees C) in the inside-out patch and somewhat smaller when measured under the same conditions in the outside-out configuration (0.86 x 10(-13) cm3/s). 3. When intracellular Rb+ replaced K+, inward K+ currents were unaffected but the outward currents carried by Rb+ were substantially smaller. The extent of the reduction in the outward currents depended on the internal Rb+/K+ ratio and increased as [Rb+]i was raised. Both inward and outward Rb+ currents were blocked by 1 mM-ATP. No currents were measurable in symmetrical 140 mM-Rb+ solutions. 4. With 140 mM [K+]o and 140 mM [Rb+]i the single-channel current-voltage relation reversed at +8 mV and the potential at which the variance of the ATP-sensitive current was least was shifted by 6 mV to more positive potentials. These data suggest a PRb/PK ratio of around 0.7. 5. Outward Rb+ currents were reduced at all potentials in inside-out patches exposed to 107 mM-Rb+ solution intracellularly and 5 mM-K+ externally. 6. Partial replacement of external K+ with Rb+ substantially reduced the inward currents recorded from outside-out patches and also decreased outward K+ currents. 7. In outside-out patches, the addition of 1 mM-Rb+ to the external solution produced a block of inward K+ currents that initially increased and then decreased again with hyperpolarization. This suggests that the Rb+ block of K+ currents is voltage dependent and that Rb+ acts as a permeant blocker of K+ currents. 8. The sodium permeability of the channel, relative to that of potassium, was 0.39 for internal Na+ and 0.007 for external Na+ ions. 9. We conclude that Rb+ serves as an acceptable tracer for K+ in efflux studies when changes in K+ flux through ATP-sensitive K+ channels are of interest but that the magnitude of such fluxes will be considerably underestimated.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1989

ATP-sensitive K+ channels in rat pancreatic beta-cells: modulation by ATP and Mg2+ ions.

1. The inside-out configuration of the patch-clamp method was used to study the effects of MgATP, free ATP and Mg2+ on single ATP-sensitive K+ channel currents in rat pancreatic beta-cells. 2. Magnesium ions caused a marked reduction of channel activity: 5 mM-free Mg2+ produced a 50% reduction in the activity of inward currents recorded at -60 mV in symmetrical K+ concentrations. 3. Inhibition of channel activity by MgATP does not involve phosphorylation as both free ATP (i.e. ATP in the absence of divalent cations) and non-hydrolysable ATP analogues were effective inhibitors. 4. Magnesium ions produced a striking reduction in the ability of ATP (total) to inhibit channel activity. When channel activity was plotted as a function of the total ATP concentration, the Ki for channel inhibition was 4 microM in Mg2(+)-free solution, compared to a Ki of 26 microM in the presence of 2 mM-Mg2+. The shape of the relationship between channel activity and the total ATP concentration was not changed by Mg2+. When channel activity was plotted as a function of the free ATP concentration, however, Mg2+ had little effect on Ki. This suggests that free ATP is the more potent inhibitor of channel activity and that MgATP has little inhibitory effect. 5. ATP analogues that dissociate only as far as the tribasic form were also able to inhibit channel activity. This suggests that both ATP4- and ATPH3- can block the channel. 6. Like ATP, ADP was more effective at inhibiting channel activity in the absence of Mg2+, that is as the free base. The non-hydrolysable ATP analogues AMP-PNP and AMP-PCP, however, were more effective in the presence of Mg2+. 7. It is suggested that (1) the potency of inhibition is related to the amount of negative charge carried by the ion and (2) the intracellular concentration of free ATP will be an important modulator of channel activity in the intact beta-cell.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed1988

Single Ca channel currents in mouse pancreatic B-cells.

Barium currents flowing through single Ca2+ channels were recorded from outside-out patches isolated from mouse pancreatic B-cells. Only one type of Ca2+ channels was observed. In 110 mM Ba2+, the single channel conductance was 24pS (at negative membrane potentials) and the current amplitude at 0 mV was -0.7 pA. Channel openings were activated by depolarisations more positive than -30 mV and showed little inactivation during 200 ms pulses. Open times were increased by BAY K 8644 an decreased by micromolar Cd2+. Channel activity was subject to rundown in excised patches and little activity remained after 10 min. These properties resemble those of L-type Ca2+ channels in other tissues. It is suggested that this Ca2+ channel participates in the generation of the B-cell action potential and mediates the increase in Ca2+ influx required for insulin secretion.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed1988

Properties of single potassium channels modulated by glucose in rat pancreatic beta-cells.

1. The patch clamp method has been used to examine the effect of glucose on single K+ channel currents recorded from cell-attached patches on dissociated rat pancreatic beta-cells. Patch pipettes contained a 140 mM-K+ solution. 2. In glucose-free solution three types of K+ channels were observed. Two of these, having conductances of around 50 pS (G-channel) and 20 pS when the external K+ concentration, [K+]0, was 140 mM, were active at the resting potential of the cell. The G-channel was observed in more patches and showed higher activity; it therefore appears to contribute the major fraction of the resting K+ permeability of the beta-cell. At membrane potentials positive to about +20 mV a third type of K+ channel, having a mean conductance of 120 pS, was activated. The open probability of this channel was strongly voltage dependent and increased with depolarization. 3. The reversal potential of the G-channel current was shifted 59 mV by a 10-fold change in external K+ (Na+ substitution) indicating the channel is highly K+ selective. The single-channel conductance varied with [K+]o as predicted from the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation; at physiological [K+]o (5 mM-K+) an inward conductance of around 10 pS is predicted. The amplitude of the single-channel current showed a tendency to saturate with increasing [K+]o. 4. Single G-channel currents show burst kinetics indicating at least two closed states. The open and closed (gap) times within the bursts were distributed exponentially with time constants of 2.5 ms (tau o) and 0.5 ms (tau c1) respectively at the resting potential of the cell. There was little change in tau c1 over the voltage range -40 to 60 mV (pipette potential) but tau o increased slightly with membrane depolarization. 5. The addition of glucose to the bath solution produced a reversible, dose-dependent decrease in G-channel activity. This decrease results principally from a reduction in the frequency and duration of the bursts of openings with increasing glucose. In addition, the mean open time decreases. The short gaps during the bursts were little affected by glucose. 6. At glucose concentrations of .10 mM and above the decrease in G-channel activity is accompanied by an increase in the input resistance of the cell and by the initiation of action potentials. 7. It is concluded that glucose metabolism results in a reduction of G-channel open probability and thereby produces depolarization of the beta-cell.

Action Potentials↗
PubMed1988

Adenosine 5'-triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels.

This review has focused on the properties of the ATP-sensitive K-channel found in cardiac and skeletal muscle, and in pancreatic beta-cells. It is conceivable that this channel will be found in other cell types. In particular, it would be worthwhile looking for its presence in those cells in which electrical activity is linked to metabolism, glucose concentration, or oxygen levels. Obvious examples are the glucoreceptor neurons of mammalian brain and chemoreceptors such as those of the carotid body. While ATP-sensitive K-channels in cardiac and skeletal muscle membranes are rather similar, there are a few significant differences between these channels and that found in the beta-cell. Most notably, the latter is more sensitive to inhibition by ATP and sulphonylureas. It remains to be seen whether they also differ in the ability of nucleotides to activate the channel. Considerable confusion also still surrounds the physiological regulation of the ATP-sensitive K-channel in intact cells. Although the general consensus seems to be that [ATP]i modulates channel activity, the role of other nucleotides and ions as well as the way in which their concentrations alter with metabolism requires further elucidation. A combined electrophysiological and biochemical approach is likely to prove most successful in establishing which second messenger systems contribute to the physiological regulation of the ATP-sensitive K-channel. Finally, the close correlation between cell metabolism and the activity of the ATP-sensitive K-channel raises the intriguing possibility that disorders of cell metabolism might produce alterations in channel activity and consequent changes in cell function.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1987

ATP-sensitive K+ channels in human isolated pancreatic B-cells.

Glucose-stimulated insulin release from rodent pancreatic B-cells is thought to be initiated by the closing of ATP-sensitive K+ channels in the plasma membrane as a consequence of glucose metabolism. We have identified an ATP-sensitive K+ channel in membrane patches excised from human B-cells which is similar to that found in rodent B-cells in conductance, kinetics, ATP sensitivity and its inhibition by sulphonylureas. In man, the ATP-sensitive K+ channel may also have a central role in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and may be (linked to) the receptor for the hypoglycemic sulphonylureas.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗