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Potassium-channel opener in cardioplegia may restore coronary endothelial function.

BACKGROUND: Depolarizing (hyperkalemic) solutions impair the coronary endothelial function through an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor mechanism. I examined the hypothesis that potassium-channel openers may restore the impaired endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated coronary vasorelaxation when added to hyperkalemic cardioplegia. METHODS: The porcine coronary arteries were exposed to hyperkalemia (potassium, 20 or 50 mmol/L) or hyperkalemia plus the potassium-channel opener aprikalim at 0.1 mmol/L for 1 hour. Endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated relaxation (percentage of 30 nmol/L U46619 precontraction) was induced by calcium ionophore A23187 and bradykinin in the presence of indomethacin (7 micromol/L) and Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (300 micromol/L). RESULTS: The endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated relaxation was significantly impaired by exposure to hyperkalemia (20 mmol/L: 24.9%+/-14.1% versus 88.0%+/-3.3% in control, p = 0.002 for A23187; 50 mmol/L: 40.5%+/-12.3% versus 76.5%+/-3.8%, p = 0.003 for bradykinin). This reduced relaxation was significantly recovered by addition of aprikalim into the hyperkalemic (20 mmol/L) solution in A23187 experiments (81.2%+/-4.8%, p = 0.002) but only slightly recovered when added into the higher concentration of potassium (50 mmol/L) in bradykinin experiments (56.1%+/-4.7%, p = 0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Potassium-channel openers may preserve endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated coronary relaxation when added to traditional hyperkalemic cardioplegia. This effect is significant when the potassium concentration is 20 mmol/L but partially lost when it reaches 50 mmol/L. This study may provide new insights into cardioprotection during open heart operations.

Animals↗

Effect of potassium channel and cytochrome P450 inhibition on transient hypotension and survival during lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxic shock in the rat.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether inhibition of potassium channels or cytochrome P450 attenuates the transient phase of hypotension during endotoxic shock in vivo, and to determine whether these interventions improve the rate of survival. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with saline (0.2 ml, i.v.), tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA 30 mg/kg; 0.2 ml, i.v.), proadifen (SKF-525 A; 50 mg/kg, i.p.) or ketoconazole (50 mg/kg, i.p.) and challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 20 mg/kg, i.p.). Changes in heart rate, mean (MAP), systolic (SP) and diastolic (DP) arterial pressures as well as survival rate were then monitored for 45 min. Potassium channel inhibition with TEA had no effect on LPS-induced hypotension at any time point compared with saline (maximal fall in MAP of 79 +/- 18 and 80 +/- 13 mm Hg, respectively). Pretreatment with proadifen or ketoconazole, inhibitors of cytochrome P450, significantly attenuated LPS-induced hypotension compared with saline (maximal fall in MAP of 34, 26 and 63% below baseline, respectively). This effect was evident in all arterial pressures measured, MAP, SP and DP. At 45 min, the survival rate in the saline group was 66%. Pretreatment with TEA significantly reduced survival rate to 50% and pretreatment with proadifen or ketoconazole improved survival to 100% (p < 0.05). These results suggest that an arachidonic acid metabolite produced by a cytochrome P450-catalyzed reaction may contribute to the transient phase of LPS-induced hypotension. However, these effects do not appear to be mediated through potassium channel activation.

Animals↗

The new voltage gated potassium channel KCNQ5 and neonatal convulsions.

In 1998, mutations in the voltage gated potassium channel gene KCNQ2 were found to be the main cause underlying the autosomal dominant inherited syndrome of benign familial neonatal convulsions (BFNC). In one BFNC family a mutation was found in an homologous gene, KCNQ3. We have now identified another brain-expressed member of this ion channel subfamily, KCNQ5, which maps to chromosome 6q14. On the genomic level KCNQ5 is composed of 14 exons, which are coding for 897 amino acid residues. Mutation analysis made KCNQ5 unlikely as a candidate gene for benign neonatal convulsions in patients with a positive family history for neonatal or early infantile seizures, but without mutations in the KCNQ2 or KCNQ3 genes.

Base Sequence↗

Blockers of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel SUR2A/Kir6.2: a new approach to prevent sudden cardiac death.

The cardiac ATP sensitive potassium channel (K(ATP) channel) SUR2A/Kir6.2 is an emerging target for antiarrhythmic intervention. This channel accounts for known electrophysiological derangements soon after the onset of myocardial ischemia. Consequently, blockers of this channel have the potential to prevent ischemic malignant arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in humans. Since cardiac K(ATP) channels are closed at physiological intracellular ATP concentrations (ATP(i)) and open only when ATP(i) falls below a critical value, these agents do not affect the normal cardiac action potential and should be devoid of proarrhythmic side effects. Due to the existence of isoforms of this channel, mainly in vascular smooth muscle cells, pancreatic beta-cells and cardiac mitochondria, only specific blockers of SUR2A/Kir6.2 will offer a reasonable option for the treatment of cardiovascular patients at risk of sudden cardiac death. Presently known K(ATP) blockers are derived from diverse classes of compounds with antidiabetic sulfonylureas being their most prominent members. Retrospective evaluations of clinical studies with the sulfonylurea glibenclamide in diabetics revealed antifibrillatory activity to be an important additional effect of this class of compounds. However, for the safe treatment of arrhythmias nearly all presently known blockers lack sufficient selectivity, either within the target family or with respect to other ion channels modulating the cardiac action potential. The present article illustrates the new principle in terms of molecular biology and electrophysiology and summarizes all presently known K(ATP) blockers. As a highlight, first strategies to come to selective SUR2A/Kir6.2 blockers, such as HMR 1883, are reviewed.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗

The voltage-gated potassium channel subunit, Kv1.3, is expressed in epithelia.

The Shaker-type voltage-gated potassium channel, Kv1.3, is believed to be restricted in distribution to lymphocytes and neurons. In lymphocytes, this channel has gained intense attention since it has been proven that inhibition of Kv1.3 channels compromise T lymphocyte activation. To investigate possible expression of Kv1.3 channels in other types of tissue, such as epithelia, binding experiments, immunoprecipitation studies and immunohistochemical studies were performed. The double-mutated, radiolabeled peptidyl ligand, (125)I-HgTX(1)-A19Y/Y37F, which selectively binds Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.3 and Kv1.6 channels, was used to perform binding studies in epithelia isolated from rabbit kidney and colon. The equilibrium dissociation constant for this ligand was found to be in the sub-picomolar range and the maximal receptor concentration (in fM/mg protein) 1.68 for colon and 0.61-0.75 for kidney epithelium. To determine the subtype of Kv1 channels, immunoprecipitation studies with (125)I-HgTX(1)-A19Y/Y37F labeled epithelial membranes were performed with specific antibodies against Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.3, Kv1.4 or Kv1.6 subunits. These studies demonstrated that Kv1.3 subunits constituted more than 50% of the entire Kv1 subunit population. The precise localization of Kv1.3 subunits in epithelia was determined by immunohistochemical studies.

Animals↗

Molecular simulations and lipid-protein interactions: potassium channels and other membrane proteins.

Molecular dynamics simulations may be used to probe the interactions of membrane proteins with lipids and with detergents at atomic resolution. Examples of such simulations for ion channels and for bacterial outer membrane proteins are described. Comparison of simulations of KcsA (an alpha-helical bundle) and OmpA (a beta-barrel) reveals the importance of two classes of side chains in stabilizing interactions with the head groups of lipid molecules: (i) tryptophan and tyrosine; and (ii) arginine and lysine. Arginine residues interacting with lipid phosphate groups play an important role in stabilizing the voltage-sensor domain of the KvAP channel within a bilayer. Simulations of the bacterial potassium channel KcsA reveal specific interactions of phosphatidylglycerol with an acidic lipid-binding site at the interface between adjacent protein monomers. A combination of molecular modelling and simulation reveals a potential phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-binding site on the surface of Kir6.2.

Computer Simulation↗

Expression of an inwardly rectifying potassium channel in Xenopus oocytes.

The murine macrophage-like cell line J774.1 was used as a source of mRNA for the expression of inwardly rectifying potassium channels in Xenopus oocytes. RNA was isolated, poly(A)(+)-selected, and size-fractionated by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Oocytes injected with J774.1 RNA expressed large-amplitude current (0.9 +/- 0.07 microA; mean +/- SEM, n = 31) at -100 mV in 96 mM extracellular K+ showing prominent inward rectification. The inwardly rectifying currents were most strongly expressed by an mRNA size class of 4-5 kb. The expressed current displayed selectivity, conductance, and rectification properties of inwardly rectifying potassium channels in their native membranes. The current was potassium selective and was specifically blocked by Ba2+. The conductance and the voltage dependence of the current rectification depended on the extracellular potassium concentration, with the midpoint in peak conductance following the potassium equilibrium potential. This high level of expression of inward rectifier current and the absence of other expressed currents suggest that J774.1 mRNA represents an excellent starting material for expression cloning of the inward rectifier potassium channel cDNA.

Animals↗

Role of receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase alpha (RPTPalpha) and tyrosine phosphorylation in the serotonergic inhibition of voltage-dependent potassium channels.

The activity of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels can be dynamically modulated by several events, including neurotransmitter-stimulated biochemical cascades mediated by G-protein-coupled receptors. By using a heterologous expression system, we show that activating the 5-HT2C receptor inhibits both Kv1.1 and Kv1.2 channels through a tyrosine phosphorylation mechanism. The major molecular determinants of channel inhibition were identified as two tyrosine residues located in the N-terminal region of the Kv channel subunit. Furthermore, we demonstrate that receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase alpha (RPTPalpha), a receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase, co-ordinates the inhibition process mediated via 5-HT2C receptors. We therefore propose that the serotonergic regulation of human Kv1.1 and Kv1.2 channel activity by the 5-HT2C receptor involves the dual coordination of both RPTPalpha and specific tyrosine kinases coupled to this receptor.

Animals↗

Effects of potassium channel blockade on endogenous glutamate release from cerebellar slices.

The effects of potassium channel blockade on the spontaneous release of endogenous glutamate from rat cerebellar slices was studied. Tetrapentylammonium (TPeA), 4-aminopyridine and quinine all increased the spontaneous release of glutamate. The effect of TPeA and 4-AP was potentiated in the absence of Ca2+ from the perfusing fluid. In normal artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) the Ca2+ channel antagonist, verapamil, mimicked the effects of TPeA seen in Ca2+-free ACSF. The increased release of glutamate produced by TPeA under Ca2+-free conditions was inhibited by the sodium channel blocker, tetrodotoxin, and by Ruthenium red, which inhibits mobilization of mitochondrial Ca2+. The results suggest that external Ca2+ is not required in the TPeA-induced release of glutamate. It is proposed that the prolongation of depolarization seen with potassium channel blocking drugs enables sufficient sodium to enter the neurone and release Ca2+ from intraneuronal stores in order to facilitate transmitter release.

4-Aminopyridine↗

Inward rectifier potassium channel Kir 2.3 is inhibited by internal sulfhydryl modification.

Regions of the hippocampal inward rectifier potassium channel Kir 2.3 that contact the aqueous environment were investigated by identification of native cysteine residues that confer sulfhydryl reagent sensitivity to the channel conductance. Kir 2.3 currents were inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), whereas currents of Kir 2.1 were unaffected. The reactive residues were identified as Kir 2.3 Cys28 and Cys50 using chimeric constructs and mutagenesis. These sites were not accessible to p-chloromercuriphenylsulfonate (pCMPS) applied extracellularly. However, both Cys28 and Cys50 were accessible to 2-(trimethylammoniumethyl) methanethiosulfonate (MTSET) applied to the intracellular surface of the membrane. These studies demonstrate that Cys28 and Cys50 lie in a cytoplasmic aqueous accessible region of the channel, and suggest that the channel N-terminus is a key constituent of the internal vestibule of the pore and/or modulates channel gating.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Isoflurane-induced dilation of porcine coronary arterioles is mediated by ATP-sensitive potassium channels.

BACKGROUND: Isoflurane causes increases in coronary blood flow in vivo, which are mediated by the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium channels, but the role of the arterioles (resistance vessels) in these responses is controversial. METHODS: Medium porcine coronary arterioles (internal diameter, 172 +/- 51 [SD] microm) were placed in a chamber supplied with Kreb's buffer, pressurized (40 mmHg), and preconstricted with acetylcholine (10(-8)-10(-6) M). Vascular diameter (VD) was assessed using an optical density video-detection system. Isoflurane (in 95% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide) was added to buffer using a membrane oxygenator supplied by a calibrated vaporizer. In series 1 (n = 14), 2% isoflurane was administered according to an abrupt (ISO-A) and gradual (ISO-G) protocol. In series 2 (n = 13) and 3 (n = 6), ISO-A (1.5%) was assessed before and after glibenclamide (an ATP-sensitive potassium channel antagonist) or 8-phenyltheophylline (a nonselective adenosine receptor antagonist), respectively. In series 4 (n = 5), validation studies were performed using sodium nitroprusside and adenosine diphosphate to verify that the vascular smooth muscle and endothelium of the vessels were functionally intact. In series 5 (n = 6), ISO-A (0.75 and 1.5%) was compared during preconstriction with acetylcholine and the thromboxane analog U46619 (10(-6) M). RESULTS: ISO-G caused essentially concentration-dependent increases in VD. At 2% isoflurane, the increases in VD were greater during ISO-A than ISO-G. Glibenclamide, but not 8-phenyltheophylline, attenuated isoflurane-induced increases in VD. Both sodium nitroprusside and adenosine diphosphate caused dose-dependent increases in VD. Isoflurane caused equivalent concentration-dependent increases in VD during acetylcholine and U46619. CONCLUSIONS: Isoflurane is a concentration-dependent dilator of porcine coronary arterioles preconstricted with acetylcholine or U46619. This effect is blunted by gradual administration, suggesting that the vessels may adapt to the relaxing effects of isoflurane. Isoflurane-induced dilation of coronary arterioles is mediated by the ATP-sensitive potassium channels but not by the adenosine receptors.

Anesthetics, Inhalation↗

Dynamic localization and clustering of dendritic Kv2.1 voltage-dependent potassium channels in developing hippocampal neurons.

Dendritic excitability is modulated by the highly variable spatial and temporal expression pattern of voltage-dependent potassium channels. Somatodendritic Kv2.1 channels contribute a major component of delayed rectifier potassium current in cultured hippocampal neurons, where Kv2.1 is localized to large clusters on the soma and proximal dendrites. Here we found that dramatic differences exist in the clustering of endogenous Kv2.1 in cultured rat hippocampal GABAergic interneurons and glutamatergic pyramidal neurons. Studies on neurons developing in culture revealed that while a similar sequence of Kv2.1 localization and clustering occurred in both cell types, the process was temporally delayed in pyramidal cells. Localization and clustering of recombinant green fluorescent protein-tagged Kv2.1 occurred by the same sequence of events, and imaging of GFP-Kv2.1 clustering in living neurons revealed dynamic fusion events that underlie cluster formation. Overexpression of GFP-Kv2.1 accelerated the clustering program in pyramidal neurons such that the observed differences in Kv2.1 clustering in pyramidal neurons and interneurons were eliminated. Confocal imaging showed a preferential association of Kv2.1 with the basal membrane in cultured neurons, and electrophysiological recordings from neurons cultured on transistors revealed that Kv2.1 contributed the bulk of a previously described adherens junction delayed rectifier potassium conductance. Finally, Kv2.1 clusters were found spatially associated with ryanodine receptor intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) release channels. These findings reveal a stepwise assembly of Kv2.1 potassium channels into membrane clusters during development, and an association of these clusters with Ca(2+) signaling apparatus. Together these data suggest that the restricted localization of Kv2.1 may play an important role in the previously observed contribution of this potassium channel in regulating dendritic [Ca(2+)](i) transients.

Animals↗

Expression of Kv1.1, a Shaker-like potassium channel, is temporally regulated in embryonic neurons and glia.

Kv1.1, a Shaker-like voltage-gated potassium channel, is strongly expressed in a variety of neurons in adult rodents, in which it appears to be involved in regulating neuronal excitability. Here we show that Kv1.1 is also expressed during embryonic development in the mouse, exhibiting two transient peaks of expression around embryonic day 9.5 (E9.5) and E14.5. Using both in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry, we have identified several cell types and tissues that express Kv1.1 RNA and protein. At E9.5, Kv1.1 RNA and protein are detected transiently in non-neuronal cells in several regions of the early CNS, including rhombomeres 3 and 5 and ventricular zones in the mesencephalon and diencephalon. At E14.5, several cell types in both the CNS and peripheral nervous system express Kv1.1, including neuronal cells (sensory ganglia and outer aspect of cerebral hemispheres) and glial cells (radial glia, satellite cells, and Schwann cell precursors). These data show that Kv1.1 is expressed transiently in a variety of neuronal and non-neuronal cells during restricted periods of embryonic development. Although the functional roles of Kv1.1 in development are not understood, the cell-specific localization and timing of expression suggest this channel may play a role in several developmental processes, including proliferation, migration, or cell-cell adhesion.

Animals↗

Sensitivity of the slow component of the delayed rectifier potassium current (IKs) to potassium channel blockers: implications for clinical reverse use-dependent effects.

The slow delayed rectifier potassium current (I(Ks)) is unique in its slow activation and deactivation kinetics. It is important during cardiac repolarization, especially when the heart rate is fast. We compared the effects of quinidine, procainamide, sotalol, and amiodarone on I(Ks) and correlated the findings with the clinical reverse use-dependent effects of potassium channel blockers. Human minK RNA was obtained by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using explanted human heart. The RNA was injected into Xenopus oocytes for heterologous expression of I(Ks). A two-electrode voltage clamp technique was performed to investigate the I(Ks). We demonstrated that quinidine, sotalol and procainamide had no effects on I(Ks) up to a concentration of 300 microM while amiodarone inhibited I(Ks) in a concentration-dependent manner starting from 10 microM. The inhibition by amiodarone was state-dependent with gradual unblocking after depolarization. The degree of inhibition was 53% immediately after depolarization and 19% at the end of a 5-second depolarization. I(Ks) is 30 times more sensitive to amiodarone than to quinidine, sotalol, and procainamide. Quinidine, sotalol and procainamide have reverse use-dependent effects while amiodarone does not. This is compatible with the hypothesis that no inhibition of I(Ks) at clinical concentrations contributes to the clinical reverse use-dependent effects.

Amiodarone↗

The potassium channel blockers 4-aminopyridine and tetraethylammonium increase the spontaneous basal release of [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine in rat hippocampal slices.

Previous investigations have demonstrated that compounds capable of blocking presynaptic potassium channels can stimulate neurotransmitter release at both peripheral and central synapses. This study examined the in vitro effects of the "classical" potassium channel blockers 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and tetraethylammonium (TEA) on the spontaneous basal release of [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine ([3H]5-HT) from rat hippocampal slices using an automated superfusion apparatus. 4-AP and structural analogs increased the spontaneous basal release of [3H]5-HT in a concentration-related manner. The rank order of potencies from the estimated EC50 values indicated that 3,4-diaminopyridine (0.88 mM) approximately 4-AP (1.2 mM) > 2-AP (89 mM) > 3-AP (100 mM) > pyridine (256 mM). TEA stimulated [3H]5-HT release with an estimated EC50 value of 63 mM and was less efficacious than the pyridine congeners. The enhancement of release induced by 1 mM 4-AP was additive with 100 mM TEA and 5 microM veratridine but not with 3,4-diaminopyridine or KCl (25 and 50 mM). The release induced by 4-AP (0.3, 1 and 10 mM) and TEA (30, 100 and 300 mM) was significantly attenuated in a calcium-free buffer containing 1 mM ethylene glycol-bis(b-aminoethyl ether N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid. Tetrodotoxin (1 microM), a sodium channel blocker, was unable to block the response to 4-AP (1 mM) and TEA (100 mM). Notably, this concentration of tetrodotoxin reduced the stimulation of [3H]5-HT release produced by the sodium channel opener veratridine (5 microM). Taken together, the results demonstrate that potassium channel blockade can enhance the spontaneous basal release of [3H]5-HT in rat hippocampal slices. These effects are at least partly dependent on extracellular calcium and do not appear to be mediated by modulating sodium channel function.

4-Aminopyridine↗

When, where, and how much? Expression of the Kv3.1 potassium channel in high-frequency firing neurons.

The Kv3.1 potassium channel gene is expressed in neurons that fire action potentials at high frequencies. Neurons that express this gene, such as auditory brain stem neurons, have high-threshold voltage-dependent potassium currents that activate and deactivate unusually rapidly, and whose characteristics match those of the Kv3.1 subunit expressed heterologously. The level of Kv3.1 expression in neurons is regulated during development and by environmental stimuli. Pharmacological and computer modeling studies indicate that changes in the level of this channel alter the ability of a neuron to follow synaptic inputs at high frequencies. To understand the transcriptional mechanisms that control Kv3.1 expression, an initial characterization of the primary promoter for the Kv3.1 gene was carried out. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding Kv3.1 gene transcription and the roles of upstream regulatory elements in conferring cell-type specificity and long-term regulation by extrinsic factors.

Animals↗

Genetic inactivation of an inwardly rectifying potassium channel (Kir4.1 subunit) in mice: phenotypic impact in retina.

The inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1 has been suggested to underlie the principal K(+) conductance of mammalian Müller cells and to participate in the generation of field potentials and regulation of extracellular K(+) in the retina. To further assess the role of Kir4.1 in the retina, we generated a mouse line with targeted disruption of the Kir4.1 gene (Kir4.1 -/-). Müller cells from Kir4.1 -/- mice were not labeled with an anti-Kir4.1 antibody, although they appeared morphologically normal when stained with an anti-glutamine synthetase antibody. In contrast, in Müller cells from wild-type littermate (Kir4.1 +/+) mice, Kir4.1 was present and localized to the proximal endfeet and perivascular processes. In situ whole-cell patch-clamp recordings showed a 10-fold increase in the input resistance and a large depolarization of Kir4.1 -/- Müller cells compared with Kir4.1 +/+ cells. The slow PIII response of the light-evoked electroretinogram (ERG), which is generated by K(+) fluxes through Müller cells, was totally absent in retinas from Kir4.1 -/- mice. The b-wave of the ERG, in contrast, was spared in the null mice. Overall, these results indicate that Kir4.1 is the principal K(+) channel subunit expressed in mouse Müller glial cells. The highly regulated localization and the functional properties of Kir4.1 in Müller cells suggest the involvement of this channel in the regulation of extracellular K(+) in the mouse retina.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Sarcolemmal chloride and potassium channels from normal and myotonic mouse muscle studied in lipid supplemented vesicles.

By patch-clamp analysis of lipid supplemented vesicles prepared from the sarcolemma of mouse wildtype skeletal muscle, we could identify two known types of potassium channels, the inward rectifier and Ca2+ activated BK channels, and five types of chloride channels designated CIC-a, CIC-b, CIC-c, CIC-d, and CIC-e. CIC-b corresponds to a known chloride channel, whereas CICa, -c, -d and -e have not been described previously. The diversity may be due to a heterooligomeric composition of different subunits. None of these chloride channels nor the potassium channels were found in the sarcoplasmic reticulum fraction. In vesicles from myotonic mice, Clc-d and -e were not found.

Animals↗