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[Effects of potassium channel blockers on the proliferation of rat bronchial smooth muscle cells].

AIM: To investigate the effects of blockers of the three kinds of potassium channels: voltage-dependent K+ channel(KV), calcium-activated K+ channel(KCa) and ATP-sensitive K+ channel(KATP), on the proliferation of rat bronchial smooth muscle cells (BSMCs). METHODS: The effects of three kinds of potassium channel blockers on the proliferation of BSMCs were detected by MTT method, immunocytochemistry staining and flow-cytometry. Their effects on the dynamic changes of Ca2+ concentration in BSMCs were investigated by the fluorophotometry of Fura-2/AM. RESULTS: The KV blocker 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) was shown to significantly increase the expression of proliferating cell nucleus antigen in cultured rat BSMCs (P < 0.01), but the KCa blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA) and KATP blocker glibenclamide(Glib) did not show such effect (P > 0.05). 4-AP was found to significantly increase the optical density value of the cultured BSMCs (P < 0.01) by MTT method and the numbers of S + G2M BSMCs(P < 0.05) by flow-cytometry. TEA and Glib did not show such effects. 4-AP significantly increased the Ca2+ concentration in cultured BSMCs(P < 0.01). TEA and Glib did not show such effects. CONCLUSION: This result suggests that inhibition of KV activity can increase intracellular Ca2+ and proliferation of rat BSMCs, but inhibition of KCa and KATP showed no effect.

4-Aminopyridine↗

Cyclic AMP regulates potassium channel expression in C6 glioma by destabilizing Kv1.1 mRNA.

The tissue distributions and physiological properties of a variety of cloned voltage-gated potassium channel genes have been characterized extensively, yet relatively little is known about the mechanisms controlling expression of these genes. Here, we report studies on the regulation of Kv1.1 expressed endogenously in the C6 glioma cell line. We demonstrate that elevation of intracellular cAMP leads to the accelerated degradation of Kv1.1 RNA. The cAMP-induced decrease in Kv1.1 RNA is followed by a decrease in Kv1. 1 protein and a decrease in the whole cell sustained K+ current amplitude. Dendrotoxin-I, a relatively specific blocker of Kv1.1, blocks 96% of the sustained K+ current in glioma cells, causing a shift in the resting membrane potential from -40 mV to -7 mV. These data suggest that expression of Kv1.1 contributes to setting the resting membrane potential in undifferentiated glioma cells. We therefore suggest that receptor-mediated elevation of cAMP reduces outward K+ current density by acting at the translational level to destabilize Kv1.1 RNA, an additional mechanism for regulating potassium channel gene expression.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

The inner quaternary ammonium ion receptor in potassium channels of the node of Ranvier.

Quaternary ammonium ions were applied to the inside of single myelinated nerve fibers by diffusion from a cut end. The resulting block of potassium channels in the node of Ranvier was studied under voltage-clamp conditions. The results agree in almost all respects with similar studies by Armstrong of squid giant axons. With tetraethylammonium ion (TEA), pentyltriethylammonium ion (C(5)), or nonyltriethylammonium ion (C(9)) inside the node, potassium current during a depolarization begins to rise at the normal rate, reaches a peak, and then falls again. This unusual inactivation is more complete with C(9) than with TEA. Larger depolarizations give more block. Thus the block of potassium channels grows with time and voltage during a depolarization. The block reverses with repolarization, but for C(9) full reversal takes seconds at -75 mv. The reversal is faster in 120 mM KCl Ringer's and slower during a hyperpolarization to -125 mv. All of these effects contrast with the time and voltage-independent block of potassium, channels seen with external quaternary ammonium ions on the node of Ranvier. External TEA, C(5), and C(9) block without inactivation. The external quaternary ammonium ion receptor appears to be distinct from the inner one. Apparently the inner quaternary ammonium ion receptor can be reached only when the activation gate for potassium channels is open. We suggest that the inner receptor lies within the channel and that the channel is a pore with its activation gate near the axoplasmic end.

Animals↗

Calcium- and voltage-activated potassium channels in human macrophages.

Single calcium-activated potassium channel currents were recorded in intact and excised membrane patches from cultured human macrophages. Channel conductance was 240 pS in symmetrical 145 mM K+ and 130 pS in 5 mM external K+. Lower conductance current fluctuations (40% of the larger channels) with the same reversal potential as the higher conductance channels were noted in some patches. Ion substitution experiments indicated that the channel is permeable to potassium and relatively impermeable to sodium. The frequency of channel opening increased with depolarization and intracellular calcium concentration. At 10(-7) M (Ca++)i, channel activity was evident only at potentials of +40 mV or more depolarized, while at 10(-5) M, channels were open at all voltages tested (-40 to +60 mV). In intact patches, channels were seen at depolarized patch potentials of +50 mV or greater, indicating that the ionized calcium concentration in the macrophage is probably less than 10(-7) M.

Calcium↗

Preconditioning with isoflurane produces dose-dependent neuroprotection via activation of adenosine triphosphate-regulated potassium channels after focal cerebral ischemia in rats.

UNLABELLED: In this study, we determined whether repeated brief isoflurane (Iso) anesthesia induces ischemic tolerance to focal cerebral ischemia in a dose-response manner and whether the effect is dependent on adenosine triphosphate-regulated potassium channels. In Experiment 1, 40 rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: control animals received 100% oxygen 1 h/d for 5 days, whereas the isoflurane (Iso)1, Iso2, and Iso3 groups received 0.75%, 1.5%, or 2.25% Iso in oxygen 1 h/d for 5 days. In Experiment 2, 36 rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: controls received 100% oxygen 1 h/d for 5 days; animals in the Iso and I+G (Iso+glibenclamide) groups received 2% Iso in oxygen 1 h/d for 5 days, and the I+G group received glibenclamide (GLB) (5 mg/kg intraperitoneally) before each Iso pretreatment. Animals in the GLB group received GLB (5 mg/kg intraperitoneally) once a day for 5 days. Twenty-four hours after the last pretreatment, the right middle cerebral artery was occluded for 120 min. Neurologic deficit scores (NDS) and brain infarct volumes were evaluated at 24 h. The NDS and infarct volumes of Iso2 and Iso3 were less than those of the controls (P < 0.05). The infarct volume in Iso3 was smaller than in Iso2 (P < 0.05). The NDS and infarct volume in the Iso group were less than in the control and I+G groups (P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference among the control, I+G, and GLB groups. The study demonstrated that repeated Iso anesthesia induces ischemic tolerance in rats in a dose-response manner. GLB, an adenosine triphosphate-regulated potassium channel blocker, abolished the tolerance induced by Iso. IMPLICATIONS: Brief isoflurane anesthesia induces ischemic tolerance in the brain. The effect was found to be dose dependent in a rat focal cerebral ischemia model. Ischemic tolerance induced by isoflurane preconditioning is dependent on activation of adenosine triphosphate-regulated potassium channels.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

A potassium channel toxin from the secretion of the sea anemone Bunodosoma granulifera. Isolation, amino acid sequence and biological activity.

A peptide toxin affecting potassium channels was isolated from the sea anemone Bunodosoma granulifera. It facilitates acetylcholine release at avian neuromuscular junctions, competes with dendrotoxin I, a probe for voltage-dependent potassium channels, for binding to synaptosomal membranes of rat brain with a Ki of 0.7 nM and suppresses K+ currents in rat dorsal root ganglion neurones in culture. It represents a new structural type of potassium channel toxin with the sequence V1RCDWFKETA10CRHAKSLGNC20RTSQKYRANC30AKTLQCC37 (M(r) 4275, three disulfides).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A new ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener reduces blood pressure and reverses cardiovascular remodeling in experimental hypertension.

Some potassium channel openers (KCOs) are potent vasodilators that mainly target the ATP-sensitive potassium channels in vascular smooth muscle cells. Their lack of tissue selectivity limits their clinical use in hypertension therapy. Iptakalim [2,3-dimethyl-n-(1-methylethyl)-2-butylamine], which belongs to a novel chemical type of KCO, possesses unique pharmacological characteristics. In vitro experiments have shown that iptakalim could limit its vasorelaxing actions to resistance vessels. In this study, we investigate the antihypertensive effects of iptakalim on two different experimental hypertensive models: stroke-prone, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRsps) and two-kidney with one-clip renal hypertensive dogs (2K1C RHD). In acute hypotensive tests, iptakalim showed stable, long-lasting antihypertensive effects in SHRsps and 2K1C RHDs. Mean-while, it had little effect on heart rate when compared with pinacidil, nifedipine, captopril, or bisoprolol. In experimental therapeutic tests, repeated doses in SHRsps for 30 days or in 2K1C RHDs for 14 days produced consistent antihypertensive effects without causing tolerance. In separate experiments, chronic administration of iptakalim resulted in reversing hypertensive vascular remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats and hypertensive cardiac remodeling in SHRsps. These results suggest that iptakalim is a promising antihypertensive drug.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Single amino acid residue influences the distribution pattern of an inwardly rectifying potassium channel in polarized cells.

We used immunohistochemistry to identify the localization of the inwardly rectifying potassium channels K(ir) 2.1 and its mutant K(ir) 2.1 M84K, and P2X(2) receptors heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes, opossum kidney (OK) cells and NG108-15 cells. K(ir) 2.1 wild-type channels were unevenly distributed over the surface of the oocytes and the density was higher at the vegetal pole than at the animal pole. In OK cells the protein was detected at the basolateral membrane, and in NG108-15 cells the protein was found in the soma of the cells and in long thick outgrowing neurites. In contrast, mutant K(ir) 2.1 M84K channels were evenly distributed over the membrane of the oocytes, whereas in OK cells the protein was only detected at the tips of the brush border. In NG108-15 cells the protein was found in the soma of the cells and in all growing neurites. The density of P2X(2) was higher at the animal pole of the oocytes and was restricted to the tips of the brush border in OK cells. In NG108-15 cells the protein was restricted to thinner outgrowing structures and the soma of the cells. We conclude that the exchange of a single amino acid residue in the N-terminus of K(ir) 2.1 changes the distribution pattern in all of the cell types studied. Furthermore, we were able to show that another ion channel sharing the same topology with inwardly rectifying potassium channels showed a different distribution pattern in these cell types.

Animals↗

ATP-sensitive potassium channels are involved in adenosine-induced reduction of blood pressure variability in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

With a computerized analysis system, blood pressure was recorded continuously in conscious unrestrained spontaneously hypertensive rats. The effects of different adenosine receptor agonists and ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener and blocker on blood pressure variability in spontaneously hypertensive rats were studied. It was found that adenosine, 5'-N-cyclopropyl-carboxamidoadenosine (CPCA, a selective adenosine A2-receptor agonist) and pinacidil (a nonselective ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener) decreased blood pressure variability when one of them was used alone, whereas N -cyclopentyladenosine (CPA, a selective adenosine A1-receptor agonist) had no significant effects on blood pressure variability. When pretreated with glibenclamide (a nonselective ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker), the inhibitory effects of adenosine and CPCA on blood pressure variability were significantly prevented. By itself, however, glibenclamide had no influence on blood pressure variability. These results suggest that the effect of adenosine on blood pressure variability in spontaneously hypertensive rats is due to activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels mediated by adenosine A2-receptor.

Adenosine↗

Kv3.3 potassium channels in lens epithelium and corneal endothelium.

Human Kv3.3/KCNC3 is a Shaw-type potassium channel that has been mapped to chromosome 19q13.3-13.4. Complete mouse and rat Kv3.3 cDNA coding sequences have been published, yet the human Kv3.3 cDNA has remained incomplete for years. We report here for the first time the amino acid sequence for hKv3.3 and the electrophysiological behavior of the encoded channel in transiently transfected mammalian cells. In addition, we report the occurrence of Kv3.3 message in rabbit corneal endothelial cells and the properties of the currents when the corneal channel is expressed. The hKv3.3 gene is highly GC-rich (69%) and contains numerous GC runs which made DNA sequencing and PCR amplification especially problematic. The full-length sequence contains two possible start codons. The encoded 757 amino acid hKv3. 3 protein is about 93% identical to mouse and rat Kv3.3 in the first 659 amino acids before the C-terminal domains diverge greatly as a result of alternative splicing. The rabbit cornea Kv3.3 is a close sequence match for hKv3.3 even in the C-terminal domain. However, we have not yet found a cornea sequence which contains the first potential start codon from hKv3.3. Electrophysiologically, the hKv3. 3 channel produces an A-current although expression of constructs which lack the 5' region of the first start codon inactivate much more slowly than full-length constructs. This short hKv3.3 construct also shows changes in activation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structure prediction for the down state of a potassium channel voltage sensor.

Voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels, essential for regulating potassium uptake and cell volume in plants and electrical excitability in animals, switch between conducting and non-conducting states as a result of conformational changes in the four voltage-sensing domains (VSDs) that surround the channel pore. This process, known as gating, is initiated by a cluster of positively charged residues on the fourth transmembrane segment (S4) of each VSD, which drives the VSD into a 'down state' at negative voltages and an 'up state' at more positive voltages. The crystal structure of Kv1.2 probably corresponds to the up state, but the local environment of S4 in the down state and its motion in voltage gating remains unresolved. Here we employed several conditional lethal/second-site suppressor yeast screens to determine the transmembrane packing of the VSD in the down state. This screen relies on the ability of KAT1, a eukaryotic Kv channel, to conduct potassium when its VSDs are in the down state, thereby rescuing potassium-transport-deficient yeast. Starting with KAT1 channels bearing conditional lethal mutations, we identified second-site suppressor mutations throughout the VSD that recover yeast growth. We then constructed a down state model of the channel using six pairs of interacting residues as structural constraints and verified this model by engineering suppressor mutations on the basis of spatial considerations. A comparison of this down state model with the up state Kv1.2 structure suggests that the VSDs undergo large rearrangements during gating, whereas the S4 segment remains positioned between the central pore and the remainder of the VSD in both states.

Arabidopsis↗

Photolytic manipulation of [Ca2+]i reveals slow kinetics of potassium channels underlying the afterhyperpolarization in hippocampal pyramidal neurons.

The identity of the potassium channel underlying the slow, apamin-insensitive component of the afterhyperpolarization current (sIAHP) remains unknown. We studied sIAHP in CA1 pyramidal neurons using simultaneous whole-cell recording, calcium fluorescence imaging, and flash photolysis of caged compounds. Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) peaked earlier and decayed more rapidly than sIAHP. Loading cells with low concentrations of the calcium chelator EGTA slowed the activation and decay of sIAHP. In the presence of EGTA, intracellular calcium decayed with two time constants. When [Ca2+]i was increased rapidly after photolysis of DM-Nitrophen, both apamin-sensitive and apamin-insensitive outward currents were activated. The apamin-sensitive current activated rapidly (<20 msec), whereas the apamin-insensitive current activated more slowly (180 msec). The apamin-insensitive current was reduced by application of serotonin and carbachol, confirming that it was caused by sIAHP channels. When [Ca2+]i was decreased rapidly via photolysis of diazo-2, the decay of sIAHP was similar to control (1. 7 sec). All results could be reproduced by a model potassium channel gated by calcium, suggesting that the channels underlying sIAHP have intrinsically slow kinetics because of their high affinity for calcium.

Animals↗

Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of thienylcyanoguanidine derivatives as potassium channel openers.

In our series of studies on potassium channel openers, several thienylcyanoguanidine derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for smooth muscle relaxation activity in vitro. Among the newly synthesized compounds, N-cyano-N'-(5-cyano-3-thienyl)-N"-tert-pentylguanidine (4b) and N-(5-bromo-3-thienyl)-N'-cyano-N"-tert-pentylguanidine (4f) exhibited excellent activity which was proved to be based on potassium channel-opening action. Bioisosterism between benzene and thiophene ring was observed in the arylcyanoguanidines. After intravenous administration to dogs, 4b lowered the blood pressure more strongly than pinacidil.

Animals↗

Drug-disease interactions: reduced beta-adrenergic and potassium channel antagonist activities of sotalol in the presence of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions in the rat.

Inflammation may influence response to pharmacotherapy. We investigated the effect of inflammation on response to sotalol, a beta-adrenergic receptor and potassium channel antagonist. Racemic sotalol (40 mg kg(-1)) was administered to healthy, acutely (interferonalpha 2a-induced) and chronically (Mycobacterium butyricum-induced adjuvant arthritis) inflamed male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=4 - 6/group). Another group of interferon-treated rats received 3 mg kg(-1) of anti-TNF antibody infliximab. Electrocardiogram (ECG) recorded and plasma sotalol concentration monitored for 6 h. The study was repeated in acutely inflamed rats following administration of stereochemically pure individual sotalol enantiomers [40 mg kg(-1) S (potassium channel blocker) or 20 mg kg(-1) R (beta-adrenergic/potassium channel blocker)]. Chronic arthritis was readily evident. Acute arthritis was associated with elevated segmented neutrophils and increased plasma nitrite and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) concentrations. Sotalol affected ECG in all rats. In both inflamed groups, however, response to sotalol in prolongation of QT interval (potassium channel sensitivity) was reduced. The effect of PR interval (beta-adrenergic activity) was also reduced following administration of the racemate and R-enantiomer. No significant differences in pharmacokinetics were observed between control and inflamed rats. Infliximab reduced nitrite and TNF concentrations and reversed the effect of acute inflammation on both PR and QT intervals. The reduced electrocardiographic responses to sotalol is likely due to the influence of inflammation on the action of the drug on both beta-adrenergic and potassium channel receptors secondary to over-expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and/or nitric oxide. Our observation may have therapeutic consequences in all conditions where inflammatory mediators are increased.

Acute Disease↗

[Patch-clamp technique in investigations of potassium channel activation in T lymphocytes].

This review focuses on results of patch-clamp studies on modulation of T lymphocyte potassium channel activity by physiologically relevant factors. In the preface the patch-clamp technique is briefly presented and basic properties of potassium channels in T lymphocytes are characterised. The paper contains an overview of the data on modulatory effects of extracellular and intracellular pH, temperature, extracellular potassium, extracellular divalent and trivalent metal cations, channel phosphorylation processes and membrane lipid metabolities on potassium channel activity. Some still unresolved problems in that area are indicated.

Animals↗

Calcium-activated potassium channels in rat visceral sensory afferents.

The purpose of the present study was to describe, at the single-channel level, the activity of a calcium-sensitive potassium channel in rat visceral-sensory neurons which has been suggested to be involved in sensory neuron excitability. Single-channel recordings in the inside-out configuration identified a 220 pS conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (KCa). From a -20 mV holding potential, increasing [Ca2+]i from 0.01 microM to 1.0 microM increased the open probability of this channel 92% (from 0.12 to 0.23). However, from a +20 mV holding potential, increasing [Ca2+]i from 0.01 to 1.0 microM increased the open probability by 326% (from 0.15 to 0.64). In addition, this large conductance KCa channel was blocked by TEA (1.0 microM) and charybdotoxin (40 microM) when applied to the external surface. These results are the first to characterize a large conductance KCa channel in the sensory afferent neurons of the rat nodose ganglia and should further expand the understanding of the ionic currents involved in the regulation of sensory afferent neuronal activity.

Animals↗

Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and potassium channel antibody-associated limbic encephalitis.

Of six patients registered in our center with nonparaneoplastic limbic encephalitis associated with antibodies to voltage-gated potassium channels, the five men had rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) coincident with voltage-gated potassium channel antibody-associated limbic encephalitis onset. In three patients, immunosuppression resulted in resolution of RBD in parallel with remission of the limbic syndrome. RBD persisted in two patients with partial resolution of the limbic syndrome. Our findings suggest that RBD is frequent in the setting of voltage-gated potassium channel antibody-associated limbic encephalitis and can be related to autoimmune-mediated mechanisms. In addition, these observations suggest that impairment of the limbic system may play a role in the pathogenesis of RBD.

Aged↗

Benzylamine-related compounds stimulate rat vas deferens neurotransmission and potentiate memory in the mouse acting as potassium channel blockers.

In stimulated rat vas deferens, the new compound 2, 6-dibutylbenzylamine (B25) and some related benzylamines, first potentiated then completely inhibited electrically-induced twitch response, showing the biphasic effect previously observed in unstimulated preparations. To verify if this effect could be referred to as a modulation of potassium channels the activity of some benzylamines, KCl, tetraetylammonium (TEA), BaCl(2), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), glibenclamide (GLI), charibdotoxin (ChTX) and apamin (APA) has been compared. While KCl and benzylamine-related derivatives induced biphasic effects, TEA, 4-AP, BaCl(2), GLI stimulated but were unable to inhibit the twitches. The pretreatment with stimulating concentrations of TEA, 4-AP, GLI, APA or ChTX and B25, as reference compound in the benzylamine series, dose-dependently reduced the stimulatory effect of KCl but were unable to modify the inhibitory effect induced by this ion. Both KCl and B25 potentiated each others own inhibitory effect suggesting that, unlike other potassium channel blockers, they could modulate in an opposite way voltage-dependent potassium channels in order to facilitate and then depress neurotransmission. In other experiments, benzylamines, KCl, TEA, 4-AP and GLI reverted the inhibitory effect of cromakalim and omega-conotoxin GVIA (omega-CTX). This effect further supports a common mechanism of action (potassium channel blockade) probably inducing the opening of Ca(2+)channels different from N or L in the preparation. Finally, the prevention of minoxidil-induced amnesia in the mouse by B25 and related benzylamines, comparable to the same effect shown by TEA and 4-AP, indicates that these compounds are endowed with potential pharmacological activity in the CNS as well.

Animals↗