Modulation of neuronal calcium channels by arachidonic acid and related substances

Actions and Mechanisms of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Voltage-Gated Ion Channels

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) act on most ion channels, thereby having significant physiological and pharmacological effects. In this review we summarize data from numerous PUFAs on voltage-gated ion channels containing one or several voltage-sensor domains, such as voltage-gated sodium (Na_V), potassium (K_V), calcium (Ca_V), and proton (H_V) channels, as well as calcium-activated potassium (K_Ca), and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Some effects of fatty acids appear to be channel specific, whereas others seem to be more general. Common features for the fatty acids to act on the ion channels are at least two double bonds in cis geometry and a charged carboxyl group. In total we identify and label five different sites for the PUFAs. PUFA site 1: The intracellular cavity. Binding of PUFA reduces the current, sometimes as a time-dependent block, inducing an apparent inactivation. PUFA site 2: The extracellular entrance to the pore. Binding leads to a block of the channel. PUFA site 3: The intracellular gate. Binding to this site can bend the gate open and increase the current. PUFA site 4: The interface between the extracellular leaflet of the lipid bilayer and the voltage-sensor domain. Binding to this site leads to an opening of the channel via an electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged PUFA and the positively charged voltage sensor. PUFA site 5: The interface between the extracellular leaflet of the lipid bilayer and the pore domain. Binding to this site affects slow inactivation. This mapping of functional PUFA sites can form the basis for physiological and pharmacological modifications of voltage-gated ion channels.

A mechanism underlying the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids on breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women. Evidence suggests that the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) affect breast cancer proliferation, differentiation and prognosis. However, the mechanism still remains unclear. In this study, the expression of transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC)3 was detected throughout the cell cytoplasm and at the cell surface of MCF-7 cells. Ca²⁺ entry was induced in these cells via activated TRPC3 by either the diacylglycerol analogue (OAG) or by intracellular Ca²⁺ store depletion. TRPC-mediated Ca²⁺ entry was inhibited by PUFAs including arachidonic acid (AA) and linolenic acid (LA) but not saturated fatty acids. Overexpression of the PUFA degradation enzyme, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), enhanced capacitative Ca²⁺ entry. In addition, inhibition of COX2 reduced [Ca²⁺]_i. Nevertheless, inhibition of TRPC reduced the cell cycle S phase and cell migration, implicating a functional role for TRP-mediated Ca²⁺ entry in cell proliferation and invasion. Exogenous PUFA as well as a TRPC3 antagonist consistently attenuated breast cancer cell proliferation and migration, suggesting a mechanism in which PUFA restrains the breast cancer partly via its inhibition of TRPC channels. Additionally, our results also suggest that TRPC3 appears as a new mediator of breast cancer cell migration/invasion and represents a potential target for a new class of anticancer agent.

Redox agents modulate neuronal activity and reproduce physiological aspects of neuronal aging

The high oxygen consumption and post-mitotic nature of the central nervous system (CNS) makes it particularly susceptible to oxidative stress, the impact of which is widely regarded as a root cause of functional impairment of the aging brain in vertebrates and invertebrates alike. Using an invertebrate model system we demonstrate that the lipid soluble antioxidant α-tocopherol can both reverse 2,2-azobis(2-methylpropion-amidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) induced decline in excitability in young neurons as well as restore the electrical activity and excitability of aged neurons not unlike the level of their younger equivalents. Furthermore, using two analogs of α-tocopherol where either the acyl chain has been removed (Trolox) or the hydroxyl group of the chromanol ring has been methylated we were able to assert that the restorative effect of α-tocopherol requires both insertion into the plasma membrane as well as an active OH group. Thus, our results indicate peroxidation is an important modulator of neuronal excitability as well as support the growing body of evidence suggesting α-tocopherol's actions may extend well beyond its established role as a lipid domain preventative antioxidant.

Regulation of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels by lipids

Great skepticism has surrounded the question of whether modulation of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels (VGCCs) by the polyunsaturated free fatty acid arachidonic acid (AA) has any physiological basis. Here we synthesize findings from studies of both native and recombinant channels where micromolar concentrations of AA consistently inhibit both native and recombinant activity by stabilizing VGCCs in one or more closed states. Structural requirements for these inhibitory actions include a chain length of at least 18 carbons and multiple double bonds located near the fatty acid's carboxy terminus. Acting at a second site, AA increases the rate of VGCC activation kinetics, and in Ca(V)2.2 channels, increases current amplitude. We present evidence that phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP(2)), a palmitoylated accessory subunit (beta(2a)) of VGCCs and AA appear to have overlapping sites of action giving rise to complex channel behavior. Their actions converge in a physiologically relevant manner during muscarinic modulation of VGCCs. We speculate that M(1) muscarinic receptors may stimulate multiple lipases to break down the PIP(2) associated with VGCCs and leave PIP(2)'s freed fatty acid tails bound to the channels to confer modulation. This unexpectedly simple scheme gives rise to unanticipated predictions and redirects thinking about lipid regulation of VGCCs.

Polyunsaturated fatty acid modulation of voltage-gated ion channels

Arachidonic acid (AA) was found to inhibit the function of whole-cell voltage-gated (VG) calcium currents nearly 16 years ago. There are now numerous examples demonstrating that AA and other polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) modulate the function of VG ion channels, primarily in neurons and muscle cells. We will review and extract some common features about the modulation by PUFAs of VG calcium, sodium, and potassium channels and discuss the impact of this modulation on the excitability of neurons and cardiac myocytes. We will describe the fatty acid nature of the membrane, how fatty acids become available to function as modulators of VG channels, and the physiologic importance of this type of modulation. We will review the evidence for molecular mechanisms and assess our current understanding of the structural basis for modulation. With guidance from research on the structure of fatty acid binding proteins, the role of lipids in gating mechanosensitive (MS) channels, and the impact of membrane lipid composition on membrane-embedded proteins, we will highlight some avenues for future investigations.

Arachidonic acid and ion channels: an update

Arachidonic acid (AA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid with four double bonds, has multiple actions on living cells. Many of these effects are mediated by an action of AA or its metabolites on ion channels. During the last 10 years, new types of ion channels, transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) channels and non-SOCE channels have been studied. This review summarizes our current knowledge about the effects of AA on TRP and non-SOCE channels as well as classical ion channels. It aims to distinguish between effects of AA itself and effects of AA metabolites. Lipid mediators are of clinical interest because some of them (for example, leukotrienes) play a role in various diseases, others (such as prostaglandins) are targets for pharmacological therapeutic intervention.

Receptor-independent actions of cannabinoids on cell membranes: Focus on endocannabinoids

Cannabinoids are a structurally diverse group of mostly lipophilic molecules that bind to cannabinoid receptors. In fact, endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) are a class of signaling lipids consisting of amides and esters of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are synthesized from lipid precursors in plasma membranes via Ca(2+) or G-protein-dependent processes and exhibit cannabinoid-like actions by binding to cannabinoid receptors. However, endocannabinoids can produce effects that are not mediated by these receptors. In pharmacologically relevant concentrations, endocannabinoids modulate the functional properties of voltage-gated ion channels including Ca(2+) channels, Na(+) channels, various types of K(+) channels, and ligand-gated ion channels such as serotonin type 3, nicotinic acetylcholine, and glycine receptors. In addition, modulatory effects of endocannabinoids on other ion-transporting membrane proteins such as transient potential receptor-class channels, gap junctions and transporters for neurotransmitters have also been demonstrated. Furthermore, functional properties of G-protein-coupled receptors for different types of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides are altered by direct actions of endocannabinoids. Although the mechanisms of these effects are currently not clear, it is likely that these direct actions of endocannabinoids are due to their lipophilic structures. These findings indicate that additional molecular targets for endocannabinoids exist and that these targets may represent novel sites for cannabinoids to alter either the excitability of the neurons or the response of the neuronal systems. This review focuses on the results of recent studies indicating that beyond their receptor-mediated effects, endocannabinoids alter the functions of ion channels and other integral membrane proteins directly.

Cannabinoids modulate the P-type high-voltage-activated calcium currents in purkinje neurons

Endocannabinoids released by postsynaptic cells inhibit neurotransmitter release in many central synapses by activating presynaptic cannabinoid CB1 receptors. In particular, in the cerebellum, endocannabinoids inhibit synaptic transmission at granule cell to Purkinje cell synapses by modulating presynaptic calcium influx via N-, P/Q-, and R-type calcium channels. Using whole cell patch-clamp techniques, we show that in addition to this presynaptic action, both synthetic and endogenous cannabinoids inhibit P-type calcium currents in isolated rat Purkinje neurons independent of CB1 receptor activation. The IC50 for the anandamide (AEA)-induced inhibition of P-current peak amplitude was 1.04 +/- 0.04 microM. In addition, we demonstrate that all the tested cannabinoids in a physiologically relevant range of concentrations strongly accelerate inactivation of P currents. The effects of AEA cannot be attributed to the metabolism of AEA because a nonhydrolyzing analogue of AEA, methanandamide inhibited P-type currents with a similar efficacy. All effects of cannabinoids on P-type Ca2+ currents were insensitive to antagonists of CB1 cannabinoid or vanilloid TRPV1 receptors. In cerebellar slices, WIN 55,212-2 significantly affected spontaneous firing of Purkinje neurons in the presence of CB1 receptor antagonist, in a manner similar to that of a specific P-type channel antagonist, indicating a possible functional implication of the direct effects of cannabinoids on P current. Taken together these findings demonstrate a functionally important direct action of cannabinoids on P-type calcium currents.

Calcium Signals Activated by Arachidonic Acid in Embryonic Chick Ciliary Ganglion Neurons

Arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4) has been reported to modulate a variety of calcium-permeable ionic channels, both in the plasma membrane and in the endoplasmic reticulum. We have studied the effects of AA on calcium signaling in a well-characterized model of developing peripheral neurons, embryonic chick ciliary ganglion neurons in culture. When given at low non-micellar concentrations (5 microM), in the majority of cells AA directly activated a delayed and long-lasting increase in [Ca2+]i, involving both the cytoplasm and the nucleoplasm, that was completely reversed by abolition of extracellular calcium. Other fatty acids (FAs), either saturated like arachidic acid (20:0), or unsaturated like linoleic (18:2) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6), shared its ability to activate calcium influx. This entry was not suppressed by voltage-dependent calcium channel inhibitors omega-conotoxin and nifedipine, by the voltage-independent calcium channel antagonist LOE-908, by pre-treatment with blockers of AA metabolic pathways or with pertussis toxin. The arachidonate-activated calcium pathway was permeable to Mn2+ and blocked by La3+, Gd3+ and Ni2+. In a neuronal subpopulation, AA at the same concentration was also able to elicit calcium release from thapsigargin-sensitive intracellular stores; we provide evidence that cytochrome P450 epoxygenase is involved in this process.

The effect of prostaglandin E1 on ion currents of NG108-15 cells

The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism by which prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)) acts on ion currents of whole-cell voltage-clamped NG108-15 neuroblastomaxglioma hybrid cells. Ruptured and perforated patch were used. The holding current at -70 mV, the current-voltage curve produced by ramp pulses from -70 to 0 mV and the T-type and hva (high-voltage-activated) Ca(2+) currents associated with rectangular pulses were recorded. Bath application of PGE(1) (0.2 or 3 microM) reversibly increased the holding current, an effect mimicked by the prostanoid agonist iloprost (5-50 nM). The PGE(1) effect was totally blocked by the cAMP-antagonist Rp-cAMPS whereas H-89, an inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA), failed to inhibit it, even when applied in the fairly high bath concentration of 30 microM. PGE(1) and iloprost also inhibited the T-type and hva Ca(2+) currents and this effect of PGE(1) was likewise not prevented by H-89. In some of the cells, the PGE(1) effect on holding current could be mimicked by 8-pCPT-2Me-cAMP (100-300 microM), a selective agonist of Epac (exchange protein activated by cAMP), but unlike the PGE(1) effect its action was not abolished by Rp-cAMPS. The effect of PGE(1) on the the holding current and on the T-type Ca(2+) current was diminished when EGTA in the pipette solution was replaced by BAPTA, suggesting that Ca(2+) ions are involved in the PGE(1) effect. It is concluded that the PGE(1) effect is mediated by cAMP and Ca(2+) ions but not by PKA or Epac.

Lipid regulation of the synaptic vesicle cycle

Membrane vesicle cycling is orchestrated through the combined actions of proteins and lipids. At neuronal synapses, this orchestration must meet the stringent demands of speed, fidelity and sustainability of the synaptic vesicle cycle that mediates neurotransmission. Historically, the lion's share of the attention has been focused on the proteins that are involved in this cycle; but, in recent years, it has become clear that the previously unheralded plasma membrane and vesicle lipids are also key regulators of this cycle. This article reviews recent insights into the roles of lipid-modifying enzymes and lipids in the acute modulation of neurotransmission.

Mechanism of arachidonic acid modulation of the T-type Ca2+ channel alpha1G

Arachidonic acid (AA) modulates T-type Ca(2+) channels and is therefore a potential regulator of diverse cell functions, including neuronal and cardiac excitability. The underlying mechanism of modulation is unknown. Here we analyze the effects of AA on the T-type Ca(2+) channel alpha(1G) heterologously expressed in HEK-293 cells. AA inhibited alpha(1G) currents within a few minutes, regardless of preceding exposure to inhibitors of AA metabolism (ETYA and 17-ODYA). Current inhibition was also observed in cell-free inside-out patches, indicating a membrane-delimited interaction of AA with the channel. AA action was consistent with a decrease of the open probability without changes in the size of unitary currents. AA shifted the inactivation curve to more negative potentials, increased the speed of macroscopic inactivation, and decreased the extent of recovery from inactivation at -80 mV but not at -110 mV. AA induced a slight increase of activation near the threshold and did not significantly change the deactivation kinetics or the rectification pattern. We observed a tonic current inhibition, regardless of whether the channels were held in resting or inactivated states during AA perfusion, suggesting a state-independent interaction with the channel. Model simulations indicate that AA inhibits T-type currents by switching the channels into a nonavailable conformation and by affecting transitions between inactivated states, which results in the negative shift of the inactivation curve. Slow-inactivating alpha(1G) mutants showed an increased affinity for AA with respect to the wild type, indicating that the structural determinants of fast inactivation are involved in the AA-channel interaction.

Initial stages of neural regeneration in Helisoma trivolvis are dependent upon PLA2 activity

Neuronal regeneration after damage to an axon tract requires the rapid sealing of the injured plasma membrane and the subsequent formation of growth cones that can lead regenerating processes to their appropriate target. Membrane sealing and growth cone formation are Ca(2+)-dependent processes, but the signaling pathways activated by Ca(2+) to bring about these effects remain poorly understood. An in vitro injury model was employed in which neurites from identified snail neurons (Helisoma trivolvis) were transected with a glass microknife, and the formation of new growth cones from the distal portions of transected neurites was recorded at defined times after transection. This study presents three main results. First, phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)), a calcium-activated enzyme, is necessary for membrane sealing in vitro. Second, PLA(2) activity is also required for the formation of a new growth cone after the membrane has sealed successfully. Thus, PLA(2) plays a dual role by affecting both growth cone formation and membrane sealing. Third, the injury-induced activation of PLA(2) by Ca(2+) controls growth cone formation through the production of leukotrienes, secondary metabolites of PLA(2) activity. Taken together, these results suggest that the injury-induced Ca(2+) influx acts via PLA(2) and leukotriene production to assure growth cone formation. These findings indicate that events that cause an inhibition of PLA(2) or lipoxygenases, enzymes that produce leukotrienes, could result in the inability of neurites to regenerate.

Arachidonic acid both inhibits and enhances whole cell calcium currents in rat sympathetic neurons

We recently reported that arachidonic acid (AA) inhibits L- and N-type Ca(2+) currents at positive test potentials in the presence of the dihydropyridine L-type Ca(2+) channel agonist (+)-202-791 in dissociated neonatal rat superior cervical ganglion neurons [Liu L and Rittenhouse AR. J Physiol (Lond) 525: 291-404, 2000]. In this first of two companion papers, we characterized the mechanism of inhibition by AA at the whole cell level. In the presence of either omega-conotoxin GVIA or nimodipine, AA decreased current amplitude, confirming that L- and N-type currents, respectively, were inhibited. AA-induced inhibition was concentration dependent and reversible with an albumin-containing wash solution, but appears independent of AA metabolism and G protein activity. In characterizing inhibition, an AA-induced enhancement of current amplitude was revealed that occurred primarily at negative test potentials. Cell dialysis with albumin minimized inhibition but had little effect on enhancement, suggesting that AA has distinct sites of action. We examined AA's actions on current kinetics and found that AA increased holding potential-dependent inactivation. AA also enhanced the rate of N-type current activation. These findings indicate that AA causes multiple changes in sympathetic Ca(2+) currents.

Effects of arachidonic acid on unitary calcium currents in rat sympathetic neurons

We have characterized the actions of arachidonic acid (AA) on whole cell and unitary calcium (Ca2+) currents in rat neonatal superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons using barium (Ba2+) as the charge carrier. Whole cell currents were elicited by stepping the membrane potential from -90 mV to +10 mV. Arachidonic acid (5 microM) was introduced into the bath in the continued presence of 1 microM (+)-202-791, an L-type Ca2+ channel agonist. Under these conditions, the peak current, comprised mainly of N-type current, and a slow, (+)-202-791-induced component of the tail current were inhibited by 67 +/- 6 and 60 +/- 10 %, respectively, indicating that AA inhibits both N- and L-type currents. At a test potential of +30 mV, AA (5 microM) decreased unitary L- and N-type Ca2+ channel open probability (Po) in cell-attached patches that contained a single channel. For both channels, the underlying causes of the decrease in Po were similar. Arachidonic acid caused an increase in the percentage of null sweeps and in the number of null sweeps that clustered together. In sweeps with activity, the average number of openings per sweep decreased, while first latency and mean closed time increased. Arachidonic acid had no significant effect on unitary current amplitude or mean open time. Our findings are the first description of the inhibition of unitary L- and N-type Ca2+ channel activity by AA and are consistent with both channels spending more time in their null mode and with increased dwell time in one or more closed states.

Arachidonic acid stimulates a novel cocaine-sensitive cation conductance associated with the human dopamine transporter

The dopamine transporter (DAT) exhibits several ionic currents that are either coupled to or uncoupled from the transport of substrate. Second messenger systems have been shown to modulate dopamine (DA) transport, however, the modulation of DAT-associated currents has not been studied in depth. Using the two-electrode voltage-clamp method to record from Xenopus oocytes expressing the human DAT, we examined the effects of arachidonic acid (AA) on membrane currents. AA (10-100 microM) stimulates a novel nonselective cation conductance seen only in oocytes expressing human DA transporter (hDAT). The AA-stimulated conductance is up to 50-fold greater than the current normally elicited by DA, but does not appear to arise from the modulation of previously described hDAT conductances, including the leak current and the current associated with electrogenic transport. In addition, DA dramatically potentiates and cocaine blocks the AA-stimulated DAT current. DA potentiates the AA-induced currents in the absence of sodium and chloride, indicating that these currents arise from processes distinct from those associated with substrate transport. The effects of AA were mimicked by other fatty acids with a rank order of potency correlated with their degree of unsaturation, suggesting that AA directly stimulates the novel cation current. Therefore, AA stimulation of this DAT-associated conductance may provide a novel mechanism for modulation of neuronal signaling.

Arachidonic acid modulation of alpha1H, a cloned human T-type calcium channel

Arachidonic acid (AA) and the products of its metabolism are central mediators of changes in cellular excitability. We show that the recently cloned and expressed T-type or low-voltage-activated Ca channel, alpha1H, is modulated by external AA. AA (10 microM) causes a slow, time-dependent attenuation of alpha1H current. At a holding potential of -80 mV, 10 microM AA reduces peak inward alpha1H current by 15% in 15 min and 70% in 30 min and shifts the steady-state inactivation curve -25 mV. AA inhibition was not affected by applying the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin or the lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid. The epoxygenase inhibitor octadecynoic acid partially antagonized AA attenuation of alpha1H. The epoxygenase metabolite epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (8,9-EET) mimicked the inhibitory effect of AA on alpha1H peak current. A protein kinase C (PKC)-specific inhibitor (peptide fragment 19-36) only partially antagonized the AA-induced reduction of peak alpha1H current and the shift of the steady-state inactivation curve but had no effect on 8,9-EET-induced attenuation of current. In contrast, PKA has no role in the modulation of alpha1H. These results suggest that AA attenuation and shift of alpha1H may be mediated directly by AA. The heterologous expression of T-type Ca channels allows us to study for the first time properties of this important class of ion channel in isolation. There is a significant overlap of the steady-state activation and inactivation curves, which implies a substantial window current. The selective shift of the steady-state inactivation curve by AA reduces peak Ca current and eliminates the window current. We conclude that AA may partly mediate physiological effects such as vasodilatation via the attenuation of T-type Ca channel current and the elimination of a T-type channel steady window current.

Calcium release-activated calcium current (ICRAC) is a direct target for sphingosine

Whole cell patch-clamp recordings were made to study the regulation of the store-operated calcium release-activated calcium current (ICRAC) by metabolites involved in the sphingomyelin pathway in RBL-2H3 cells. Sphingosine, a regulator of cell growth, inhibits ICRAC completely within 200 s and independently from conversion to either sphingosine 1-phosphate or ceramide. Structural analogs of sphingosine, including N,N-dimethylsphingosine, DL-threo-dihydrosphingosine, and N-acetylsphingosine (C2-ceramide) also block ICRAC. This effect is always accompanied by an elevation of whole cell membrane capacitance. These sphingolipids appear, therefore, to accumulate in the plasma membrane and directly block ICRAC channels. Sphingosylphosphorylcholine also increases capacitance but does not inhibit ICRAC, demonstrating structural specificity and that the elevation of capacitance is necessary but not sufficient for block. Nerve growth factor, which is known to break down sphingomyelin, inhibits ICRAC, and this inhibition can be antagonized by reducing sphingosine production with L-cycloserine, suggesting that ICRAC is a physiologically relevant and direct target of sphingosine. We propose that sphingosine directly blocks ICRAC, suggesting that the sphingomyelin pathway is involved in ICRAC regulation.

Prevention of ischemia-induced cardiac sudden death by n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in dogs

The objective of this study was to obtain functional information associated with the prevention by n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of ischemia-induced fatal cardiac ventricular arrhythmias in the intact, conscious, exercising dog. Thirteen dogs susceptible to ischemia-induced ventricular fibrillation were prepared surgically by ligation of their anterior descending left coronary artery and placement of an inflatable cuff around their left circumflex artery. After 4 wk of recovery, exercise-plus-ischemia tests were performed without and then with an intravenous infusion of an emulsion of free n-3 PUFA just prior to occluding the left circumflex artery while the animals were running on a treadmill. One week later the exercise-plus-ischemia test was repeated but with a control infusion replacing the emulsion of n-3 PUFA. The infusion of the free n-3 PUFA in quantities of 1.0 to 10 g prevented ventricular fibrillation in 10 of the 13 dogs tested (P < 0.005), apparently without esterification of the PUFA into membrane phospholipids. The antiarrhythmic effect of the n-3 PUFA was associated with slowing of the heart rate, shortening of the QT-interval (electrical action potential duration), reduction of left ventricular systolic pressure, and prolongation of the electrocardiographic atrial-ventricular conduction time (P-R interval). These effects are comparable with those we have reported in studies with cultured neonatal rat cardiac myocytes.

Evidence that free polyunsaturated fatty acids modify Na+ channels by directly binding to the channel proteins

The effects of free polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on the binding of ligands to receptors on voltage-sensitive Na+ channels of neonatal rat cardiac myocytes were assessed. The radioligand was [benzoyl-2,5-(3)H] batrachotoxinin A 20alpha-benzoate ([(3)H]BTXB), a toxin that binds to the Na+ channel. The PUFA that have been shown to be antiarrhythmic, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5n-3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6n-3), eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), linolenic acid (C18:3n-3), and linoleic acid (C18:2n-6), inhibited [(3)H]BTXB binding in a dose-dependent fashion with IC50 values of 28-35 microM, whereas those fatty acids that have no antiarrhythmic effects including saturated fatty acid (stearic acid, C18:0), monounsaturated fatty acid (oleic acid; C18:1n-9), and EPA methyl ester did not have a significant effect on [(3)H]BTXB binding. Enrichment of the myocyte membrane with cholesterol neither affected [(3)H]BTXB binding when compared with control cells nor altered the inhibitory effects of PUFA on [(3)H]BTXB binding. Scatchard analysis of [(3)H]BTXB binding showed that EPA reduced the maximal binding without altering the Kd for [(3)H]BTXB binding, indicating allosteric inhibition. The inhibition by EPA of [(3)H]BTXB binding was reversible (within 30 min) when delipidated bovine serum albumin was added. The binding of the PUFA to this site on the Na+ channel is reversible and structure-specific and occurs at concentrations close to those required for apparent antiarrhythmic effects and a blocking effect on the Na+ current, suggesting that binding of the PUFA at this site relates to their antiarrhythmic action.