Delayed rectifier potassium channels in canine and porcine airway smooth muscle cells

Testosterone Enhances KV Currents and Airway Smooth Muscle Relaxation Induced by ATP and UTP through P2Y4 Receptors and Adenylyl Cyclase Pathway

Numerous studies suggest the involvement of adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) and similar nucleotides in the pathophysiology of asthma. Androgens, such as testosterone (TES), are proposed to alleviate asthma symptoms in young men. ATP and uridine-5'-triphosphate (UTP) relax the airway smooth muscle (ASM) via purinergic P2Y2 and P2Y4 receptors and K+ channel opening. We previously demonstrated that TES increased the expression of voltage-dependent K+ (KV) channels in ASM. This study investigates how TES may potentiate ASM relaxation induced by ATP and UTP. Tracheal tissues treated with or without TES (control group) from young male guinea pigs were used. In organ baths, tracheas exposed to TES (40 nM for 48 h) showed enhanced ATP- and UTP-evoked relaxation. Tetraethylammonium, a K+ channel blocker, annulled this effect. Patch-clamp experiments in tracheal myocytes showed that TES also increased ATP- and UTP-induced K+ currents, and this effect was abolished with flutamide (an androgen receptor antagonist). KV channels were involved in this phenomenon, which was demonstrated by inhibition with 4-aminopyridine. RB2 (an antagonist of almost all P2Y receptors except for P2Y2), as well as N-ethylmaleimide and SQ 22,536 (inhibitors of G proteins and adenylyl cyclase, respectively), attenuated the enhancement of the K+ currents induced by TES. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry studies revealed that TES did not modify the expression of P2Y4 receptors or COX-1 and COX-2, while we have demonstrated that this androgen augmented the expression of KV1.2 and KV1.5 channels in ASM. Thus, TES leads to the upregulation of P2Y4 signaling and KV channels in guinea pig ASM, enhancing ATP and UTP relaxation responses, which likely limits the severity of bronchospasm in young males.

Theophylline-Induced Relaxation Is Enhanced after Testosterone Treatment via Increased KV1.2 and KV1.5 Protein Expression in Guinea Pig Tracheal Smooth Muscle

Theophylline is a drug commonly used to treat asthma due to its anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties. Testosterone (TES) has been suggested to reduce the severity of asthma symptoms. This condition affects boys more than girls in childhood, and this ratio reverses at puberty. We reported that guinea pig tracheal tissue chronic exposure to TES increases the expression of β₂-adrenoreceptors and enhances salbutamol-induced K⁺ currents (IK⁺). Herein, we investigated whether the upregulation of K⁺ channels can enhance the relaxation response to methylxanthines, including theophylline. Chronic incubation of guinea pig tracheas with TES (40 nM, 48 h) enhanced the relaxation induced by caffeine, isobutylmethylxanthine, and theophylline, an effect that was abolished by tetraethylammonium. In tracheal myocytes, chronic incubation with TES increased theophylline-induced IK⁺; flutamide reversed this effect. The increase in IK⁺ was blocked by 4-aminopyridine by ~82%, whereas iberiotoxin reduced IK⁺ by ~17%. Immunofluorescence studies showed that chronic TES exposure increased the expression of K_V1.2 and K_V1.5 in airway smooth muscle (ASM). In conclusion, chronic exposure to TES in guinea pig ASM promotes upregulation of K_V1.2 and K_V1.5 and enhances theophylline relaxation response. Therefore, gender should be considered when prescribing methylxanthines, as teenage boys and males are likely to respond better than females.

Testosterone augments β2 adrenergic receptor genomic transcription increasing salbutamol relaxation in airway smooth muscle

Androgens in asthmatic men may be linked to asthma severity, acting via nongenomic and genomic effects. This ailment affects boys more than girls during infancy, and this proportion reverses in puberty. Plasmatic androgen concentration in young men increases at this age and might be related to lower asthma symptoms. Nongenomic actions occur in a brief period and are independent of the androgen receptor (AR), while genomic effects depend on AR, take hours-days and are modified by transcription or protein synthesis inhibitors. Guinea pig tracheas chronic incubation with testosterone (TES, 40 nM, 48 h) potentiates salbutamol-induced relaxation, an effect that was reversed by flutamide, not observed when tissues were pre-incubated with TES-bovine serum albumin (TES-BSA) nor when tissues were preincubated with TES for 15-60 min. In tracheal myocytes, TES chronic incubation increases salbutamol-induced K⁺ currents (IK⁺), an effect that was also reversed by flutamide, actinomycin D and cycloheximide and not seen with TES-BSA. The increment in IK⁺ was blocked by 4-aminopyridine and iberiotoxin, indicating that delayed rectifier K⁺ and high-conductance Ca²⁺ activated K⁺ channels were involved in the TES potentiation effect. Immunofluorescence studies showed that chronic TES augmented the β₂ adrenergic receptor (β₂-AR) expression in ASM and this finding was corroborated by q-PCR and Western blot assays. β₂-AR affinity for salbutamol after TES incubation was increased. In conclusion, chronic exposure to physiological TES concentration of the guinea pig ASM promotes β₂-AR upregulation favoring β₂ adrenergic responses and probably limiting the severity of the asthmatic exacerbations in teenage boys and men.

The relative contributions of store-operated and voltage-gated Ca2+ channels to the control of Ca2+ oscillations in airway smooth muscle

KEY POINTS

Agonist-dependent oscillations in the concentration of free cytosolic calcium are a vital mechanism for the control of airway smooth muscle contraction and thus are a critical factor in airway hyper-responsiveness. Using a mathematical model, closely tied to experimental work, we show that the oscillations in membrane potential accompanying the calcium oscillations have no significant effect on the properties of the calcium oscillations. In addition, the model shows that calcium entry through store-operated calcium channels is critical for calcium oscillations, but calcium entry through voltage-gated channels has much less effect. The model predicts that voltage-gated channels are less important than store-operated channels in the control of airway smooth muscle tone.

ABSTRACT

Airway smooth muscle contraction is typically the key mechanism underlying airway hyper-responsiveness, and the strength of muscle contraction is determined by the frequency of oscillations of intracellular calcium (Ca²⁺ ) concentration. In airway smooth muscle cells, these Ca²⁺ oscillations are caused by cyclic Ca²⁺ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, although Ca²⁺ influx via plasma membrane channels is also necessary to sustain the oscillations over longer times. To assess the relative contributions of store-operated and voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels to this Ca²⁺ influx, we generated a comprehensive mathematical model, based on experimental Ca²⁺ measurements in mouse precision-cut lung slices, to simulate Ca²⁺ oscillations and changes in membrane potential. Agonist-induced Ca²⁺ oscillations are accompanied by oscillations in membrane potential, although the membrane potential oscillations are too small to generate large Ca²⁺ currents through voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels, and thus have little effect on the Ca²⁺ oscillations. Ca²⁺ entry through voltage-gated channels only becomes important when the cell is depolarized (e.g. by a high external K⁺ concentration). As a result, agonist-induced Ca²⁺ oscillations are critically dependent on Ca²⁺ entry through store-operated channels but do not depend strongly on Ca²⁺ entry though voltage-gated channels.

KCNQ (Kv7) potassium channel activators as bronchodilators: combination with a β2-adrenergic agonist enhances relaxation of rat airways

KCNQ (Kv7 family) potassium (K(+)) channels were recently found in airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) from rodent and human bronchioles. In the present study, we evaluated expression of KCNQ channels and their role in constriction/relaxation of rat airways. Real-time RT-PCR analysis revealed expression of KCNQ4 > KCNQ5 > KCNQ1 > KCNQ2 > KCNQ3, and patch-clamp electrophysiology detected KCNQ currents in rat ASMCs. In precision-cut lung slices, the KCNQ channel activator retigabine induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of small bronchioles preconstricted with methacholine (MeCh; EC50 = 3.6 ± 0.3 μM). Bronchoconstriction was also attenuated in the presence of two other structurally unrelated KCNQ channel activators: zinc pyrithione (ZnPyr; 1 μM; 22 ± 7%) and 2,5-dimethylcelecoxib (10 μM; 24 ± 8%). The same three KCNQ channel activators increased KCNQ currents in ASMCs by two- to threefold. The bronchorelaxant effects of retigabine and ZnPyr were prevented by inclusion of the KCNQ channel blocker XE991. A long-acting β2-adrenergic receptor agonist, formoterol (10 nM), did not increase KCNQ current amplitude in ASMCs, but formoterol (1-1,000 nM) did induce a time- and concentration-dependent relaxation of rat airways, with a notable desensitization during a 30-min treatment or with repetitive treatments. Coadministration of retigabine (10 μM) with formoterol produced a greater peak and sustained reduction of MeCh-induced bronchoconstriction and reduced the apparent desensitization observed with formoterol alone. Our findings support a role for KCNQ K(+) channels in the regulation of airway diameter. A combination of a β2-adrenergic receptor agonist with a KCNQ channel activator may improve bronchodilator therapy.

hKv1.5 channels play a pivotal role in the functions of human alveolar macrophages

We examined the pharmacological properties, the molecular identity, and the functional roles of hKv1.5 channel in human alveolar macrophage. Some of outward K(+) current was inhibited by 4-aminopyridine and antisense oligodeoxynucleotides against hKv1.5 mRNA. Consistently, the protein and mRNA expressions of hKv1.5 channel were detected. Furthermore, the phagocytosis and migration of human alveolar macrophages were significantly suppressed when the protein expression of hKv1.5 channel was lowered by the antisense hKv1.5 oligodeoxynucleotides. These results suggest that hKv1.5 channel is expressed in human alveolar macrophages and it plays a role in phagocytosis and migration of the human alveolar macrophage.

Spontaneous Propagating Calcium Waves Underpin Airway Peristalsis in Embryonic Rat Lung

Prenatal airways from diverse species exhibit spontaneous peristaltic contractions (airway peristalsis). These contractile waves appear coupled to and may function to regulate prenatal lung growth. They are unaffected by atropine or tetrodotoxin but abolished by nifedipine. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which these contractile waves are generated, regulated, and propagated remain obscure. Using calcium imaging and whole embryonic lung organ culture, we demonstrate for the first time that peristalsis of the embryonic airway is driven by spontaneous, regenerative, temperature-sensitive calcium (Ca2+) waves. These Ca2+ waves propagate between individual airway smooth muscle cells coupled via gap junctions, are likely to be action potential-mediated, and are dependent on not only extracellular calcium entry via L-type voltage-gated channels but also intracellular Ca2+ stores. Thus, if airway peristalsis regulates lung growth, these findings mean that airway smooth muscle Ca2+ waves in turn regulate prenatal lung morphogenesis.

Modelling of calcium handling in airway myocytes

Airway myocytes are the primary effectors of airway reactivity which modulates airway resistance and hence ventilation. Stimulation of airway myocytes results in an increase in the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and the subsequent activation of the contractile apparatus. Many contractile agonists, including acetylcholine, induce [Ca(2+)](i) increase via Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum through InsP(3) receptors. Several models have been developed to explain the characteristics of InsP(3)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) responses, in particular Ca(2+) oscillations. The article reviews the modelling of the major structures implicated in intracellular Ca(2+) handling, i.e., InsP(3) receptors, SERCAs, mitochondria and Ca(2+)-binding cytosolic proteins. We developed theoretical models specifically dedicated to the airway myocyte which include the major mechanisms responsible for intracellular Ca(2+) handling identified in these cells. These biocomputations pointed out the importance of the relative proportion of InsP(3) receptor isoforms and the respective role of the different mechanisms responsible for cytosolic Ca(2+) clearance in the pattern of [Ca(2+)](i) variations. We have developed a theoretical model of membrane conductances that predicts the variations in membrane potential and extracellular Ca(2+) influx. Stimulation of this model by simulated increase in [Ca(2+)](i) predicts membrane depolarisation, but not great enough to trigger a significant opening of voltage-dependant Ca(2+) channels. This may explain why airway contraction induced by cholinergic stimulation does not greatly depend on extracellular calcium. The development of such models of airway myocytes is important for the understanding of the cellular mechanisms of airway reactivity and their possible modulation by pharmacological agents.

Properties and molecular basis of the mouse urinary bladder voltage-gated K+ current

Potassium channels play an important role in controlling the excitability of urinary bladder smooth muscle (UBSM). Here we describe the biophysical, pharmacological and molecular properties of the mouse UBSM voltage-gated K+ current (IK(V)). The IK(V) activated, deactivated and inactivated slowly with time constants of 29.9 ms at +30 mV, 131 ms at -40 mV and 3.4 s at +20 mV. The midpoints of steady-state activation and inactivation curves were 1.1 mV and -61.4 mV, respectively. These properties suggest that IK(V) plays a role in regulating the resting membrane potential and contributes to the repolarization and after-hyperpolarization phases of action potentials. The IK(V) was blocked by tetraethylammonium ions with an IC50 of 5.2 mM and was unaffected by 1 mM 4-aminopyridine. RT-PCR for voltage-gated K+ channel (KV) subunits revealed the expression of Kv2.1, Kv5.1, Kv6.1, Kv6.2 and Kv6.3 in isolated UBSM myocytes. A comparison of the biophysical properties of UBSM IK(V) with those reported for Kv2.1 and Kv5.1 and/or Kv6 heteromultimeric channels demonstrated a marked similarity. We propose that heteromultimeric channel complexes composed of Kv2.1 and Kv5.1 and/or Kv6 subunits form the molecular basis of the mouse UBSM IK(V).

Ionic mechanisms and Ca(2+) regulation in airway smooth muscle contraction: do the data contradict dogma?

In general, excitation-contraction coupling in muscle is dependent on membrane depolarization and hyperpolarization to regulate the opening of voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels and, thereby, influence intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). Thus Ca(2+) channel blockers and K(+) channel openers are important tools in the arsenals against hypertension, stroke, and myocardial infarction, etc. Airway smooth muscle (ASM) also exhibits robust Ca(2+), K(+), and Cl(-) currents, and there are elaborate signaling pathways that regulate them. It is easy, then, to presume that these also play a central role in contraction/relaxation of ASM. However, several lines of evidence speak to the contrary. Also, too many researchers in the ASM field view the sarcoplasmic reticulum as being centrally located and displacing its contents uniformly throughout the cell, and they have focused almost exclusively on the initial single [Ca(2+)] spike evoked by excitatory agonists. Several recent studies have revealed complex spatial and temporal heterogeneity in [Ca(2+)](i), the significance of which is only just beginning to be appreciated. In this review, we will compare what is known about ion channels in ASM with what is believed to be their roles in ASM physiology. Also, we will examine some novel ionic mechanisms in the context of Ca(2+) handling and excitation-contraction coupling in ASM.

Inward rectifier K(+) current in human bronchial smooth muscle cells: inhibition with antisense oligonucleotides targeted to Kir2.1 mRNA

Inward rectifier K(+) (Kir) channels play an important role in forming membrane potential and then modulating muscle tone in certain types of smooth muscles. In cultured human bronchial smooth muscle cells (hBSMCs), Kir current was identified using whole-cell voltage clamp techniques and explored by using RT-PCR analysis of mRNA, Western blotting, and antisense oligonucleotide methods to block the synthesis of Kir channel protein. The K(+) current with strong inward rectification and high K(+) ion selectivity was observed. The current was unaffected by 4-aminopyridine, glibenclamide, and charybdotoxin, and hardly inhibited by tetraethylammonium, but was potently inhibited by extracellular Ba(2+). The IC(50) value of external Ba(2+) was approximately 1.3 microm. RT-PCR analysis of mRNA showed transcripts for Kir2.1, but not Kir1.1, Kir2.2, or Kir2.3. Treatment of cells with antisense oligonucleotides targeted to Kir2.1 resulted in a decrease in the current density of the Kir current and Kir protein expression, as compared with the mismatch-treated cells, whereas the current density of 4-AP-sensitive K(+) currents (K(V)) remained unaffected. The application of Ba(2+) markedly depolarized the membrane. These results demonstrate that Kir channel is present in human bronchial smooth muscle cells, and the Kir2.1 gene encodes the Kir channel protein in these cells.

The repolarizing effects of volatile anesthetics on porcine tracheal and bronchial smooth muscle cells

This study was conducted to determine the effects of volatile anesthetics (potent bronchodilators) on membrane potentials in porcine tracheal and bronchial smooth muscle cells. We used a current-clamp technique to examine the effects of the volatile anesthetics isoflurane (1.5 minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration [MAC]) and sevoflurane (1.5 MAC) on membrane potentials of porcine tracheal and bronchial (third- to fifth-generation) smooth muscle cells depolarized by a muscarinic agonist, carbachol (1 microM). The effects of volatile anesthetics on muscarinic receptor binding affinity were also investigated by using a radiolabeled receptor assay technique. The volatile anesthetics isoflurane and sevoflurane induced significant repolarization of the depolarized cell membranes in the trachea (from -19.8 to -23.6 mV and to -24.8 mV, respectively) and bronchus (from -24.7 to -29.3 mV and -30.4 mV, respectively) without affecting carbachol binding affinity to the muscarinic receptor. The repolarizing effect was abolished by a Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel blocker, niflumic acid. These results indicate that volatile anesthetic-induced repolarization of airway smooth muscle cell membranes might be caused by a change in Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel activity and that the different repolarized effects of the volatile anesthetics could in part contribute to the different effects of volatile anesthetics on tracheal and bronchial smooth muscle contractions.

IMPLICATIONS

By use of a current-clamp technique, the volatile anesthetics isoflurane and sevoflurane repolarized porcine airway smooth muscle cell membranes depolarized by a muscarinic agonist. This effect might be caused mainly by change in Ca(2+)-activated Cl(-) channel activity, not in K(+) channel activity.

Effects of K(+) channel inhibitors on relaxation induced by flufenamic and tolfenamic acids in guinea-pig trachea

The effects of different K(+) channel inhibitors on flufenamic- and tolfenamic-acids-induced relaxation were studied in prostaglandin F(2alpha) (1 microM) precontracted guinea-pig trachea. Flufenamic and tolfenamic acids (each 0.1-33 microM) and lemakalim (0.01-33 microM), but not indomethacin (0.1-33 microM), caused relaxation. Iberiotoxin (33 and 100 nM) inhibited flufenamic- and tolfenamic-acids-, but not lemakalim-, induced relaxation. Iberiotoxin (100 nM) inhibited nifedipine (10 nM-10 microM)-induced relaxation. Nifedipine (0.1 microM) inhibited the blockade of fenamate-induced relaxation by iberiotoxin. Apamin (0.1 and 1 microM) did not affect flufenamic- and tolfenamic-acids- and lemakalim-induced relaxation. Glibenclamide (10 and 33 microM) inhibited lemakalim-, but not flufenamic- and tolfenamic-acids-, induced relaxation. 4-Aminopyridine (0.5 and 2 mM) inhibited flufenamic- and tolfenamic- acids- and lemakalim-induced relaxation. Flufenamic- and tolfenamic-acids-induced relaxation is likely to be activation of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels and differs from that of lemakalim.

Delayed rectifier and Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) currents in human esophagus: roles in regulating muscle contraction

We have examined K(+) channels and their function in human esophageal smooth muscle using perforated patch recording, RT-PCR to identify channel mRNA, and muscle contraction to study the effects of channel blockers. Depolarization revealed at least two types of currents: a 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)-sensitive transient delayed rectifier K(+) (K(V)) and a Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) (K(Ca)) current. K(Ca) current was active at positive potentials and was blocked by tetraethylammonium (TEA), iberiotoxin, and charybdotoxin but was insensitive to 4-AP. The mRNA encoding the gene products of Kv1.2 and Kv1.5 was identified in muscle and dissociated cells, consistent with these channel types contributing to K(V) current. 4-AP increased resting tension of muscle strips, suggesting a role for K(V) in setting the membrane potential. TEA, but not 4-AP, augmented the amplitude and duration of electrically evoked contraction, effects that were abolished by nifedipine. Here we provide the first description of macroscopic K(+) currents in human esophagus. K(V) channels participate in regulation of resting tension, whereas the K(Ca) channel limits depolarization and contraction during excitation.

Effects of adrenergic stimulus on the activities of Ca2+ and K+ channels of dorsal root ganglion neurons in a neuropathic pain model

We hypothesized that abnormal activity and adrenergic sensitivity in injured dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons are due to an intrinsic alteration of the cell body membrane. We investigated the effects of adrenergic stimulus on the activities of Ca2+ and K+ channels of DRG neurons in a rat chronic constriction injury (CCI) model. At first, we demonstrated thermal hyperalgesia and sprouting sympathetic nerve fibers in the ipsilateral L4-L5 DRGs. Using whole-cell patch clamp techniques, we found that alpha2-adrenergic stimulus by 10 microM norepinephrine (NE) inhibited inward currents (IBa, Ba2+ as a charge carrier) through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs) of DRGs in the CCI model by 42%, whereas it enhanced the IBa by 18% in control animals. The inhibitory effect of NE disappeared by pretreatment with the N-type VDCC antagonist omega-conotoxin GVIA (1 microM). NE shifted the inactivation curve to a more negative potential, showing that it has inhibitory effects on IBa both in activated and in inactivated states. alpha2-Adrenergic stimulus also inhibited outward K+ currents by 24% in the CCI model, while it had no effect on the currents in control animals. The inhibitory effect of NE was blocked by pretreatment with the Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa) channel antagonist charybdotoxin (40 nM). The NE-induced inhibitory effects both on N-type VDCC and on KCa channels in injured DRG neurons of the CCI model could lead to cell membrane depolarization, resulting in a spontaneous discharge of action potential and an increase in sensitivity to adrenergic stimulus.

Discoordinate regulation of different K channels in cultured rat skeletal muscle by nerve growth factor

We investigated the effects of nerve growth factor (NGF) on expression of K+ channels in cultured skeletal muscle. The channels studied were (1) charybdotoxin (ChTx)-sensitive channels by using a polyclonal antibody raised in rabbits against ChTx, (2) Kv1.5 voltage-sensitive channels, and (3) apamin-sensitive (afterhyperpolarization) channels. Crude homogenates were prepared from cultures made from limb muscles of 1-2-day-old rat pups for identification of ChTx-sensitive and Kv1.5 channels by Western blotting techniques. Apamin-sensitive K+ channels were studied by measurement of specific [125I]-apamin binding by whole cell preparations. ChTx-sensitive channels display a fusion-related increase in expression, and NGF downregulates these channels in both myoblasts and myotubes. Voltage-dependent Kv1.5 channel expression is low in myoblasts and increases dramatically with fusion; NGF induces early expression of these channels and causes expression after fusion to increase even further. NGF downregulates apamin-sensitive channels. NGF increases the rate of fall of the action potential recorded intracellularly from single myotubes with intracellular microelectrodes. The results confirm and extend those of previous studies in showing a functional role for NGF in the regulation of membrane properties of skeletal muscle. Moreover, the findings demonstrate that the different K+ channels in this preparation are regulated in a discoordinate manner. The divergent effects of NGF on expression of different K+ channels, however, do not appear sufficient to explain the NGF-induced increase in the rate of fall of the action potential. The changes during the falling phase may rather be due to increases in channel properties or may result from an increased driving force on the membrane potential secondary to the NGF-induced hyperpolarization.

Effects of histamine and endothelin-1 on membrane potentials and ion currents in bovine tracheal smooth-muscle cells

We tested the effects of tetraethylammonium (TEA), acetylcholine (ACh), histamine, and endothelin-1 on single airway smooth-muscle cells from bovine trachea, using the patch-clamp technique. Resting membrane potential was -48 +/- 1 mV (n = 47). Both TEA and ACh significantly depolarized the membrane, by +28 +/- 4 mV (P < 0.001, n = 12) and +21 +/- 2 mV (P < 0.01, n = 7), respectively, in the whole-cell configuration. In contrast, both histamine and endothelin-1 hyperpolarized the membrane, by -21 +/- 6 mV (P < 0.01, n = 8) and -15 +/- 2 mV (P < 0.01, n = 8), respectively. Calcium-dependent large-conductance K+-channels (127 pS) and small-conductance K+ channels (21 pS) were identified in excised patches. The small-conductance K+ channel was inhibited by 4-aminopyridine and activated by both histamine and endothelin-1. Furthermore, TEA did not alter the membrane hyperpolarization by these agonists, suggesting that the small-conductance K+ channel or delayed-rectifier K+ channel was involved in the membrane hyperpolarization. Membrane hyperpolarization by histamine and endothelin-1 suggests that activation of voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs) or of calcium influx does not contribute substantially to the contractile response of airway smooth-muscle contraction to these agonists.

Ionic mechanisms underlying electrical slow waves in canine airway smooth muscle

In canine bronchial smooth muscle (BSM), spasmogens evoke oscillations in membrane potential ("slow waves"). The depolarizing phase of the slow waves is mediated by voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels; we examined the roles played by Cl- and K+ currents and Na+-K+-ATPase activity in mediating the repolarizing phase. Slow waves were evoked using tetraethylammonium (25 mM) in the presence or absence of niflumic acid (100 microM; Cl- channel blocker) or ouabain (10 microM; block Na+-K+-ATPase) or after elevating external K+ concentration ([K+]) to 36 mM (to block K+ currents); curve fitting was performed to quantitate the rates of rise/fall and frequency under these conditions. Slow waves were markedly slowed, and eventually abolished, by niflumic acid but were unaffected by ouabain or high [K+]. Electrically evoked slow waves were also blocked in similar fashion by niflumic acid. We conclude that the repolarization phase is mediated by Ca2+-dependent Cl- currents. This information, together with our earlier finding that the depolarizing phase is due to voltage-dependent Ca2+ current, suggests that slow waves in canine BSM involve alternating opening and closing of Ca2+ and Cl- channels.

Delayed rectifier K+ current of dog bronchial myocytes: effect of pollen sensitization and PKC activation

The properties of delayed rectifier K+ current [IK(dr)] of canine airway smooth muscle cells isolated from small bronchi and its modulation by protein kinase C (PKC) were studied by whole cell patch clamp. IK(dr) activated positive to -40 mV, with half-maximal activation at -16 +/- 1.2 mV (n = 15) and average current density of 31 +/- 2.6 pA/pF (n = 15) at +30 mV. The capacitive surface area, current density, and voltage dependence of activation of IK(dr) of myocytes of ragweed pollen-sensitized dogs were not different from age-matched control dogs. However, the sensitization reduced the availability of IK(dr) between -40 and -20 mV due to a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation (-29.9 +/- 1.2 in sensitized versus -26.0 +/- 0.7 mV in control dogs, n = 9 and 11, respectively; P < 0.05). PKC activation with diacylglycerol analog or phorbol ester depressed IK(dr) amplitude, whereas an inactive diacylglycerol analog had no effect. The hyperpolarizing shift in voltage dependence of inactivation and/or modulation of IK(dr) by PKC may be two mechanisms that contribute to the enhanced reactivity of bronchial tissues from ragweed pollen-sensitized dogs.

Beta-adrenoceptor activation and PKA regulate delayed rectifier K+ channels of vascular smooth muscle cells

Macroscopic 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)-sensitive, delayed rectifier K+ current of vascular smooth muscle cells is increased during beta-adrenoceptor activation with isoproterenol via a signal transduction pathway involving adenylyl cyclase and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) (Aiello, E. A., M. P. Walsh, and W. C. Cole. Am. J. Physiol. 268 (Heart Circ. Physiol. 37): H926-H934, 1995.). In this study, we identified the single delayed rectifier K+ (KDR) channel(s) of rabbit portal vein myocytes affected by treatment with isoproterenol or the catalytic subunit of PKA. 4-AP-sensitive KDR channels of 15.3 +/- 0.6 pS (n = 5) and 14.8 +/- 0.6 pS (n = 5) conductance, respectively, were observed in inside-out (I-O) and cell-attached (C-A) membrane patches in symmetrical KCl recording conditions. The kinetics of activation (time constant of 10.7 +/- 3. 02 ms) and inactivation (fast and slow time constants of 0.3 and 2.5 s, respectively) of ensemble currents produced by these channels mimicked those reported for inactivating, 4-AP-sensitive whole cell KDR current of vascular myocytes. Under control conditions, the open probability (NPo) of KDR channels of C-A membrane patches at -40 mV was 0.014 +/- 0.005 (n = 8). Treatment with 1 microM isoproterenol caused a significant, approximately threefold increase in NPo to 0. 041 +/- 0.02 (P < 0.05). KDR channels of I-O patches exhibited rundown after approximately 5 min, which was not affected by ATP (5 mM) in the bath solution. Treatment with the purified catalytic subunit of PKA (50 nM; 5 mM ATP) restored KDR channel activity and caused NPo to increase from 0.011 +/- 0.003 to 0.138 +/- 0.03 (P < 0. 05; n = 11). These data indicate that small-conductance, 15-pS KDR channels are responsible for inactivating the macroscopic delayed rectifier K+ current of rabbit portal vein myocytes and that the activity of these channels is enhanced by a signal transduction mechanism involving beta-adrenoceptors and phosphorylation by PKA at a membrane potential consistent with that observed in the myocytes in situ.

Physiological features of visceral smooth muscle cells, with special reference to receptors and ion channels

Visceral smooth muscle cells (VSMC) play an essential role, through changes in their contraction-relaxation cycle, in the maintenance of homeostasis in biological systems. The features of these cells differ markedly by tissue and by species; moreover, there are often regional differences within a given tissue. The biophysical features used to investigate ion channels in VSMC have progressed from the original extracellular recording methods (large electrode, single or double sucrose gap methods), to the intracellular (microelectrode) recording method, and then to methods for recording from membrane fractions (patch-clamp, including cell-attached patch-clamp, methods). Remarkable advances are now being made thanks to the application of these more modern biophysical procedures and to the development of techniques in molecular biology. Even so, we still have much to learn about the physiological features of these channels and about their contribution to the activity of both cell and tissue. In this review, we take a detailed look at ion channels in VSMC and at receptor-operated ion channels in particular; we look at their interaction with the contraction-relaxation cycle in individual VSMC and especially at the way in which their activity is related to Ca2+ movements and Ca2+ homeostasis in the cell. In sections II and III, we discuss research findings mainly derived from the use of the microelectrode, although we also introduce work done using the patch-clamp procedure. These sections cover work on the electrical activity of VSMC membranes (sect. II) and on neuromuscular transmission (sect. III). In sections IV and V, we discuss work done, using the patch-clamp procedure, on individual ion channels (Na+, Ca2+, K+, and Cl-; sect. IV) and on various types of receptor-operated ion channels (with or without coupled GTP-binding proteins and voltage dependent and independent; sect. V). In sect. VI, we look at work done on the role of Ca2+ in VSMC using the patch-clamp procedure, biochemical procedures, measurements of Ca2+ transients, and Ca2+ sensitivity of contractile proteins of VSMC. We discuss the way in which Ca2+ mobilization occurs after membrane activation (Ca2+ influx and efflux through the surface membrane, Ca2+ release from and uptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and dynamic changes in Ca2+ within the cytosol). In this article, we make only limited reference to vascular smooth muscle research, since we reviewed the features of ion channels in vascular tissues only recently.

Effect of nitric oxide on calcium-activated potassium channels in colonic smooth muscle of rabbits

Nitric oxide (NO) hyperpolarizes intestinal smooth muscle cells. This study was designed to determine the mechanism whereby NO activates KCa channels of circular smooth muscle of the rabbit colon. Transmural biopsies of the rabbit colon were stained for NADPH-diaphorase. Freshly dispersed circular smooth muscle cells were studied in the whole cell configuration, as well as in on-cell and excised inside-out patch recording configurations, while KCa current and the activity of KCa channels, respectively, were monitored. NADPH-diaphorase-positive nerve fibers were found in both muscle layers. NO (1%) increased whole cell net outward current by 79% and hyperpolarized resting membrane voltage from -59 to -73 mV (n = 8 cells, P < 0.01). In the on-cell patch recording configuration. NO (0.5% or 1%) in the bath increased NPo of KCa channels; charybdotoxin (125 nM) in the pipette solution blocked this effect. In the excised inside-out patch recording configuration, NO (1%) had no effect on NPo of KCa channels. In the on-cell patch recording configuration, methylene blue (1 microM) or cystamine (5 mM) in the bath solution decreased the effect of NO (1%) on NPo of KCa channels. NPo was increased by 8-bromo-cGMP (8-BrcGMP; 1 mM), a cGMP analog, and zaprinast (100 microM), an inhibitor of cGMP phosphodiesterase. These data suggest that NO increased whole cell outward K+ current by activating KCa channels through a cGMP pathway.

Potassium channels in human fetal airway smooth muscle cells

Ion channels underlying the resting membrane potential were examined in human fetal airway smooth muscle (ASM). Tissue was obtained from the Medical Research Council Tissue Bank, London, UK. ASM cells were enzymatically dispersed, and ion currents were examined using a patch clamp. Although all cells were of similar size and stained intensely for vimentin, only approximately 50% stained intensely for smooth muscle alpha-actin or myosin heavy chain. Depolarization induced a tetraethylammonium (TEA)- and charybdotoxin (ChTX)-sensitive outward current that varied widely among cells (<50 to >2000 pA at +100 mV), and a smaller nonselective cation current that was similar in all cells (approximately 20 pA at +100 mV). The TEA-sensitive current was associated with three types of large conductance, ChTX-sensitive K+ channel: a 200-pS channel, which was active at negative potentials and low [Ca2+], as described for freshly isolated adult ASM, and two other K+ channels of 100 and 150 pS, previously observed only in adult ASM proliferating in culture. ChTX, but not 4-aminopyridine, caused a substantial depolarization in the current clamp mode, suggesting that, in contrast to ASM from other species or vascular smooth muscle, large conductance K+ channels rather than a delayed rectifier are the major determinant of membrane potential in this tissue. Our results show a distinct similarity between fetal ASM and adult ASM proliferating in culture. We suggest that the heterogeneity in current density and staining reflect different degrees of differentiation, rather than different cell types, and that the 100- and 150-pS K+ channels are specifically associated with a proliferative phenotype in human ASM.

Voltage-dependent K+ currents in smooth muscle cells from mouse gallbladder

The ionic mechanisms associated with the control of gallbladder contractility are incompletely understood. One type of K+ current, the voltage-dependent K+ (KV) current, is relatively uncharacterized in gallbladder cells and may contribute to muscular excitability. The main focus of this study was therefore to determine the voltage dependence and pharmacological nature of this K+ current in isolated myocytes from mouse gallbladder, using the patch-clamp technique. Currents through Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels were minimized by buffering of intracellular Ca2+ (20 nM free Ca2+) and by inclusion of 1 mM tetraethylammonium (TEA+) in the bathing solution. With 140 mM symmetrical K+, membrane depolarization increased K+ currents, independent of driving force, as assessed by tail current analysis. Half-maximal activation of K+ currents occurred at approximately 1 mV and increased e-fold per 9 mV. Inactivation also increased on depolarization, with a midpoint of -24 mV. Single KV channels were recorded in the cell-attached configuration, exhibiting a single-channel conductance of 4.9 pS. TEA+ at 10 mM reduced KV currents by 36%. At +50 mV, 1 mM and 10 mM 4-aminopyridine inhibited currents by 18% and 35%, respectively, whereas 1 and 10 mM 3,4-diaminopyridine inhibited currents by 11% and 21%, respectively. Quinine inhibited KV currents (at +50 mV, 100 microM and 1 mM quinine inhibited current by 24% and 70%, respectively). In summary, we describe voltage-activated K+ currents from the mouse gallbladder that are likely to contribute to the control of muscular excitability.

Effects of SCA40 on bovine trachealis muscle and on cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases

While UK-93,928 (1-[[3-(6,9-dihydro-6-oxo-9-propyl-1H-purin-2-yl)-4-ethoxyphenyl] sulfonyl]-4-methylpiperazine; 5 nM-5 microM) was devoid of relaxant activity, benzafentrine, isoprenaline, levcromakalim and SCA40 (6-bromo-8-methylaminoimidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine-2-carbonitrile) each relaxed histamine (460 microM)-precontracted bovine isolated trachealis. Each of these relaxants was antagonised by a K+-rich (80 mM) medium. Except in the case of levcromakalim, nifedipine (1 microM) offset this antagonism. Charybdotoxin (100 nM) antagonised isoprenaline in a nifedipine-sensitive manner but did not antagonise SCA40 or benzafentrine. Iberiotoxin (100 nM) did not antagonise SCA40. Acting on tissue precontracted with carbachol, SCA40 potentiated isoprenaline but did not potentiate sodium nitroprusside. While levcromakalim (1 and 10 microM) induced hyperpolarisation, SCA40 (1 and 10 microM) induced little change in the membrane potential of bovine trachealis. In trachealis preloaded with 86Rb+, levcromakalim (1 and 10 microM) promoted efflux of the radiotracer while SCA40 (1 and 10 microM) had no effect. Tested as an inhibitor of isoenzymes of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase, SCA40 was most potent against the type III, less potent against the type IV and least potent against the type I isoenzyme. It is concluded that neither inhibition of phosphodiesterase type V nor the promotion of BKCa channel opening explains the tracheal smooth muscle relaxant activity of SCA40. This compound relaxes bovine tracheal smooth muscle mainly by inhibiting phosphodiesterase isoenzyme types III and IV.

Redox regulation of large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in smooth muscle cells

The effects of sulfhydryl reduction/oxidation on the gating of large-conductance, Ca(2+)-activated K+ (maxi-K) channels were examined in excised patches from tracheal myocytes. Channel activity was modified by sulfhydryl redox agents applied to the cytosolic surface, but not the extracellular surface, of membrane patches. Sulfhydryl reducing agents dithiothreitol, beta-mercaptoethanol, and GSH augmented, whereas sulfhydryl oxidizing agents diamide, thimerosal, and 2,2'-dithiodipyridine inhibited, channel activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Channel stimulation by reduction and inhibition by oxidation persisted following washout of the compounds, but the effects of reduction were reversed by subsequent oxidation, and vice versa. The thiol-specific reagents N-ethylmaleimide and (2-aminoethyl)methanethiosulfonate inhibited channel activity and prevented the effect of subsequent sulfhydryl oxidation. Measurements of macroscopic currents in inside-out patches indicate that reduction only shifted the voltage/nP0 relationship without an effect on the maximum conductance of the patch, suggesting that the increase in nP0 following reduction did not result from recruitment of more functional channels but rather from changes of channel gating. We conclude that redox modulation of cysteine thiol groups, which probably involves thiol/disulfide exchange, alters maxi-K channel gating, and that this modulation likely affects channel activity under physiological conditions.

Modulation of maxi-K+ channels by voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and methacholine in single airway myocytes

The role of Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and the inhibitory effects of methacholine on large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (K(Ca)) channels (maxi-K+ channels) were studied in voltage-clamped (nystatin), fura 2-loaded airway smooth muscle cells. Spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) were strongly coupled to voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel activity; activity was suppressed by nisoldipine and Cd2+ and increased by BAY K 8644 within seconds. Moreover, release of intracellular Ca2+ by caffeine or cyclopiazonic acid only partially suppressed STOCs, and the remainder were almost completely blocked by nisoldipine. Methacholine suppressed STOCs but also significantly decreased the mean outward current. Whole cell current inhibition was observed in the presence of 4-aminopyridine but not in the presence of charybdotoxin. Caffeine inhibited STOCs but macroscopic outward currents were not altered. In the continued presence of caffeine, methacholine abolished the remaining STOCs and decreased the mean K+ current. We conclude that STOCs are activated by influx of Ca2+ through plasmalemmal voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, as well as by release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores, and muscarinic stimulation depresses the mean K(Ca) current via a pathway independent of the depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores.

Single-channel and functional characteristics of a KCa channel in vascular muscle membranes of human saphenous veins

The saphenous vein is used extensively to test for the effects of vasodilator substances on venous reactivity, but the K+ channel types that mediate vasodilation have not been identified. Thus the goal of this study was to identify K+ channel types in vascular smooth muscle membranes of human saphenous vein (HSV), which may contribute to membrane repolarization and control of venous tone. Fourteen HSVs obtained from bypass surgery were enzymatically dissociated into single vascular myocytes for patch-clamp analysis of inside-out patches (n = 81). HSV membranes showed primarily high-conductance (226 pS) K+ channels, which accounted for > or = 95% of total patch current at physiologic voltages. Channels were highly K+ selective, showed steep voltage and Ca2+ sensitivity, and were blocked by 100 nM iberiotoxin and < or = 1 mM tetraethylammonium (TEA). These Ca(2+)-sensitive channels (KCa) also showed stacked openings in depolarized patches exposed to 300-1,000 nM calcium, suggesting multiple functional KCa channels in a single membrane patch. In tension-recording studies, isolated segments of HSV exposed to 100 nM norepinephrine contracted further during progressive block of KCa channels by 0.1-3 mM TEA, suggesting that KCa channels are pathways for repolarization and vasodilation in HSV smooth muscle cells. Our finding of KCa channels in smooth muscle membranes of HSV, if extended to the plasma membranes of other human peripheral veins, suggests that this channel may represent a therapeutic site for alleviation of conditions of increased venous tone.

The inhibitory effects of iberiotoxin and 4-aminopyridine on the relaxation induced by beta 1- and beta 2-adrenoceptor activation in rat aortic rings

1. In rat aortic rings contracted by phenylephrine, the relaxation induced by isoprenaline was partly inhibited by iberiotoxin, (ibTX), tetraethylammonium, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and 1,9-dideoxyforskolin, but not by glibenclamide. 2. In the presence of 4-AP, 1,9-dideoxyforskolin failed to inhibit further the relaxant response to isoprenaline. Cromakalim-induced relaxation was inhibited by glibenclamide. 3. In the absence of endothelium, ibTX and 4-AP still inhibited the relaxant response to isoprenaline. 4. The inhibitory effect of ibTX on the relaxant response to isoprenaline was eliminated by pretreatment with ICI-118,551, a beta 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, but not by atenolol, a beta 1-adrenoceptor antagonist. 5. The inhibitory effect of 4-AP on the relaxation induced by isoprenaline was abolished by atenolol, but not by ICI-118,551. 6. The inhibitory effect of ibTX on the isoprenaline-induced relaxation in the presence of atenolol was completely abolished by MDL 12,330A, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor. Further, the inhibitory effect of 4-AP on the isoprenaline-induced relaxation in the presence of ICI-118,551 was markedly reduced by MDL 12,330A. 7. The relaxation induced by dibutyryl cyclic AMP was partly inhibited by 4-AP but not by ibTX. However, in the presence of KT5720, an inhibitor of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, ibTX failed to inhibit further the relaxation induced by isoprenaline. 8. These results suggest that, in rat aortic rings, KCa channels are involved in the relaxation induced by isoprenaline. In addition, KCa channels are mainly activated by beta 2-adrenoceptors through cyclic AMP-dependent pathways. Further, the inhibition of isoprenaline-relaxation by 4-AP may be related to the activation of beta 1-adrenoceptors and cyclic AMP formation.

Regulation of 4-aminopyridine-sensitive, delayed rectifier K+ channels in vascular smooth muscle by phosphorylation

Voltage-gated, delayed rectifier K+ current (KV) that is sensitive to 4-aminopyridine (4AP) block has been identified in all vascular smooth muscle tissues studied to date. These channels conduct outward, hyperpolarizing K+ current that influences resting membrane potential and contributes to repolarization of action potentials. Smooth muscle cells in most arterial resistance vessels regulate Ca2+ influx and contractile tone by low amplitude, tonic changes in membrane potential. Block of KV with 4-aminopyridine leads to contraction and an enhanced myogenic response to increased intravascular pressure. We investigated the modulation of KV currents in isolated, freshly dispersed smooth muscle cells from rabbit portal vein and coronary arteries in whole-cell voltage clamp experiments. Our findings indicate that KV channels are regulated by signal transduction mechanisms involving vasoactive agonists that activate cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) or protein kinase C (PKC). In this paper, the properties and potential function of KV channels in vascular smooth muscle are reviewed. Further, the regulation and potential role of alterations in KV due to beta-adrenoceptor agonists, adenylyl cyclase and PKA, as well as angiotensin II, diacylglycerol, and PKC are discussed.

Regulation of smooth muscle delayed rectifier K+ channels by protein kinase A

We identified voltage-activated K+ channels in freshly dispersed smooth muscle cells from the circular layer of the canine colon in patch-clamp experiments using 200 nM charybdotoxin to suppress 270-pS Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BK channels). Three channel types were distinguished in symmetrical 140 mM KCl solutions: 19.5 +/- 1.7 pS channels (KDR1), 90.6 +/- 5.4 pS channels (KDR2) and 149 +/- 4 pS intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (IK channels). All three types showed an increase in open probability with membrane depolarization. Ensemble average current from KDR1 channels inactivated with a time constant of 1.7 +/- 0.1 s at +60 mV test potential, while KDR2 and IK channels did not show inactivation. IK channels were activated by free cytoplasmic [Ca2+] (10(-6 )M) but were insensitive to 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 10 mM) and intracellular tetraethylammonium (TEA, 1 mM). KDR1 channels were sensitive to 4-AP (10 mM) and intracellular TEA (1-10 mM) but not to Ca2+. KDR2 channels did not have a consistent pharmacological profile, suggesting that this class may be comprised of several subtypes. At +40 mV membrane potential, the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKA) increased the open probability of KDR1 channels 3.4-fold and of KDR2 channels 3.9-fold, but had no effect on IK channels. In the absence of Mg-ATP, PKA did not affect channel open probabilities. At physiological membrane potentials (-60 mV) only openings of KDR1 channels could be induced by PKA, suggesting that these 4-AP-sensitive 20-pS K+ channels are primarily responsible for the cAMP-mediated hyperpolarization of colonic smooth muscle cells.

Expression and function of voltage-dependent potassium channel genes in human airway smooth muscle

Patch clamp and RNA-polymerase chain reaction methods were used to determine the expression of voltage-dependent potassium channel currents and mRNAs in human airway smooth muscle cells, and tension measurements were used to examine the functional role of specific potassium channel gene products in human bronchial smooth muscle. RNA from airway smooth muscle tissue revealed the presence of Kv1.2 (11 kilobases (kb)) and Kv1.5 (3.5 and 4.4 kb) transcripts, as well as Kv1.1 mRNA (9.5 kb), which has not previously been reported in smooth muscle; transcripts from other gene families were not detected. RNA-polymerase chain reaction from cultured human myocytes confirmed that the identified transcripts were expressed by smooth muscle cells. The available voltage-dependent potassium current in human airway myocytes was insensitive to charybdotoxin (200 nM) but blocked by 4-aminopyridine. Dendrotoxin (1-300 nM; inhibits Kv1.1 and Kv1.2 channels), charybdotoxin (10 nM to 1 microM; inhibits KCa and Kv1.2 channels), and glybenclamide (0.1-100 microM; inhibits KATP channels) had no effect on resting tone. Conversely, 4-aminopyridine increased resting tension with an EC50 (1.8 mM) equivalent to that observed for current inhibition (1.9 mM). Human airway myocytes express mRNA from several members of the Kv1 gene family; the channel that underlies the predominate voltage-dependent current and the regulation of basal tone appears to be Kv1.5.

Effects of some K(+)-channel inhibitors on the electrical behaviour of guinea-pig isolated trachealis and on its responses to spasmogenic drugs

1. A study has been made of the effects of inhibitors selective among plasmalemmal K(+)-channels on the sensitivity and responsiveness of guinea-pig trachealis muscle to carbachol, histamine and KCl. The effects of the K(+)-channel inhibitors on the resting membrane potential and spontaneous electrical activity of the trachealis cells have also been examined. 2. In indomethacin (2.8 microM)-treated trachealis muscle, dofetilide (1 microM) and glibenclamide (10 microM) were each devoid of spasmogenic activity. In contrast, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 62.5 microM--8 mM), charybdotoxin (ChTX, 100 nM) and iberiotoxin (IbTX, 100 nM) were each spasmogenic. Spasm evoked by 4-AP, IbTX or ChTX was reduced, though not abolished, by atropine (1 microM). Spasm evoked by 4-AP (1 mM), ChTX (100 nM) or IbTX (100 nM) was unaffected by tetrodotoxin (TTX; 3.1 microM) or by tissue pretreatment with capsaicin (1 microM for 30 min). Spasm evoked by IbTX or ChTX was abolished by nifedipine (1 microM). 3. Dofetilide (1 microM) and glibenclamide (10 microM) were each without effect on the tracheal sensitivity or responsiveness to carbachol, histamine or KCl. 4-AP (1 mM) antagonized carbachol, potentiated histamine but did not affect tissue sensitivity to KCl. When the effects of 4-AP were examined in the presence of atropine (1 microM), it potentiated all the spasmogens including carbachol. IbTX and ChTX (each 100 nM) potentiated all three spasmogens. Potentiation of histamine induced by 4-AP (1 mM) or IbTX (100 nM) was also observed in tissues treated with a combination of atropine (1 microM) and TTX (3.1 microM). 4. Dofetilide (1 and 10 microM) was without effect on the resting membrane potential or spontaneous electrical activity of the trachealis cells. 4-AP (1 mM) evoked depolarization and caused a small increase in the frequency of slow wave discharge. The depolarization evoked by 4-AP was abolished by atropine (1 microM). IbTX (100 nM) and ChTX (100 nM) each evoked little or no change in resting membrane potential but converted the spontaneous slow waves into spike-like, regenerative action potentials. These electrophysiological effects of IbTX and ChTX were unaffected by atropine (1 microM). 5. It is concluded that the dofetilide-sensitive, cardiac, delayed rectifier K(+)-channel is either not expressed in trachealis muscle or is of no functional importance in that tissue. The ATP-sensitive K(+)-channel (KATP) does not moderate tracheal sensitivity to spasmogens such as carbachol, histamine and KCl. The 4-AP-sensitive delayed rectifier K(+)-channel (Kdr) and the large Ca(2+)-dependent K(+)-channel (BKCa) each moderate trachealis muscle sensitivity to spasmogens. Neither Kdr nor BKCa plays an important role in determining the resting membrane potential of guinea-pig trachealis cells. However, the BKCa channel is responsible for limiting the effects of the increase in membrane Ca2+ conductance associated with the depolarizing phase of slow waves. It is BKCa channel opening that prevents the development of a slow wave into a spike-like regenerative action potential.

Mechanism of inhibition of delayed rectifier K+ current by 4-aminopyridine in rabbit coronary myocytes

1. The mechanisms involved in the 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)-induced block of delayed rectifier K+ current (IK(V)) in vascular smooth muscle cells were studied in cells enzymatically isolated from the rabbit coronary artery. 2. 4-AP inhibited slowly inactivating IK(V) in a dose-dependent manner (concentration producing half-maximal inhibition, K1/2, = 1.37 mM), and shifted the steady-state activation and inactivation curves of IK(V) by +9 and +16 mV, respectively. 3. The time constant of activation was significantly increased by 4-AP at +20 mV; deactivation kinetics were unaffected upon repolarization to -40 mV. The fast (tau f approximately 1 s) and slow (tau s approximately 5 s) time constants of inactivation (0 and +20 mV), and the recovery kinetics (tau r approximately 6 s) at -60 mV were not significantly affected by 0.5 mM 4-AP. However, tau f disappeared in the presence of 2 mM 4-AP while tau s remained unaffected. 4. Use-dependent unblock of IK(V) was revealed at potentials > or = -10 mV from analyses of the voltage dependence of 4-AP-sensitive currents and the frequency-dependent changes ('reverse use dependence') of IK(V) during the application of repetitive steps (-60 to +20 mV for 250 ms at a rate of 0.25 Hz) in control conditions, in the presence of 0.5 mM 4-AP, and after washout of the drug. These results suggested that 4-AP preferentially binds to the channel in the closed state, and unbinding is promoted by transitions to the open state. 5. The channel was modelled as a simple three-state mathematical loop model incorporating single closed, open and inactivated states. The block by 4-AP was modelled as a state-dependent interaction with 4-AP primarily binding to the closed state. Computer simulations support the hypothesis that 4-AP-induced block of the delayed rectifier K+ (KV) channel in the closed state is relieved during membrane depolarization. 6. Closed state binding of 4-AP to the KV channel depolarizes vascular smooth muscle cells by shifting the activation curve of these channels to more positive potentials.

Ionic basis of neurokinin-A-induced depolarization in single smooth muscle cells isolated from guinea-pig trachea

Neurokinin A (NKA) caused single tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs) to contract. The effects of NKA on the electrical activity of guinea-pig TSMCs were examined using the tight-seal whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Under current-clamp conditions at rest, the membrane potential of TSMCs spontaneously oscillated at about -40 mV and NKA rapidly depolarized the membrane potential to nearly 0 mV, which then gradually repolarized to about -20 mV in the presence of NKA. The oscillations in potential disappeared transiently during the rapid phase of depolarization in response to NKA and reappeared during the sustained phase of depolarization. Under voltage-clamp conditions, NKA evoked an inward current which faded quickly. Subsequently, the cell conductance in the presence of NKA at potentials greater than -40 mV decreased gradually. The reversal potential of the NKA-induced inward current was about 0 mV, and shifted with changes in the Cl- equilibrium potential. The Cl- current was not elicited by NKA when using a pipette solution containing 10 mM ethylenebis(oxonitrilo)tetraacetic acid (EGTA). During the sustained phase, K+ currents evoked by depolarizing voltage steps were inhibited by NKA. The present results indicate that NKA causes rapid and sustained depolarization of TSMCs by two distinct mechanisms: (1) initial transient activation of the Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- current, and (2) sustained inhibition of K+ currents.

[Ca2+]i inhibition of K+ channels in canine pulmonary artery. Novel mechanism for hypoxia-induced membrane depolarization

Experiments were performed on smooth muscle cells isolated from canine pulmonary artery to identify the type of K+ channel modulated by hypoxia and examine the possible role of [Ca2+]i in hypoxic K+ channel inhibition. Whole-cell patch-clamp experiments revealed that hypoxia (induced by the O2 scavenger, sodium dithionite) reduced macroscopic K+ currents, an effect that could be prevented by strong intracellular buffering of [Ca2+]i. The inhibitory effects of hypoxia were mimicked by acute exposure of cells to caffeine and could be prevented by caffeine pretreatment, suggesting an important obligatory role of [Ca2+]i in hypoxic inhibition of K+ currents. Exposure of cells to low concentrations of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 1 mmol/L) prevented hypoxic inhibition of macroscopic K+ currents, whereas low concentrations of tetraethylammonium were without effect, suggesting that the target K+ channel inhibited by hypoxia is a voltage-dependent delayed rectifier K+ channel, which is inhibited by [Ca2+]i. Hypoxia failed to consistently modify the activity of large-conductance (118 picosiemens [pS] in physiological K+) Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in inside-out membrane patches but reduced open probability of smaller-conductance (25-pS) delayed rectifier K+ channels in cell-attached membrane patches. In inside-out membrane patches, 1 mumol/L Ca2+ added to the cytoplasmic surface significantly reduced open probability of small-conductance (25-pS) 4-AP-sensitive delayed rectifier K+ channels. Whole-cell current measurements using symmetrical K+ to increase driving force for small currents active near the cell's resting membrane potential revealed the presence of a 4-AP-sensitive K+ current that activated near -65 mV and was inhibited by hypoxia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Ca2+]i inhibition of K+ channels in canine renal artery. Novel mechanism for agonist-induced membrane depolarization

The patch-clamp technique was used to examine the inhibition of delayed rectifier K+ channels by agents that release intracellular Ca2+. During voltage-clamp experiments on isolated myocytes with 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 10 mmol/L) and niflumic acid (100 mumol/L) present to inhibit delayed rectifier K+ current (IK(dr)) and Ca(2+)-activated Cl- current (ICl(Ca)), angiotensin II (Ang II) and caffeine increased Ca(2+)-activated K+ current (IK(Ca)) between -25 and 80 mV (n = 5). Conversely, with charybdotoxin (ChTX, 100 nmol/L) and niflumic acid (100 mumol/L) present to inhibit IK(Ca) and ICl(Ca), Ang II and caffeine only caused inhibition of IK(dr). Block was achieved within 15 seconds of drug application and was reversible upon washout (n = 5). The effects of Ang II on IK(Ca) and IK(dr) were inhibited by the specific Ang II receptor antagonist losartan (1 mmol/L, n = 3). Intracellular BAPTA (10 mmol/L) also abolished the effects of Ang II and caffeine on both IK(Ca) and IK(dr). In current-clamp experiments, the application of ChTX (100 nmol/L) and niflumic acid (100 mumol/L) caused little change in resting membrane potential; however, subsequent application of caffeine (10 mmol/L) caused a 26 +/- 2.9 mV depolarization from -54 +/- 3.1 to -28 +/- 1.7 mV (n = 6). 4-AP (10 mmol/L) blocked the caffeine-induced depolarization. When isolated cells were loaded with the Ca2+ indicator indo 1 (100 mumol/L), Ang II, caffeine, and 4-AP increased [Ca2+]i and depolarized the cells. Both Ang II and caffeine caused an increase in [Ca2+]i that preceded membrane depolarization, whereas 4-AP depolarized the cell first and then caused an increase in [Ca2+]i (n = 4). In inside-out patches, with 200 nmol/L ChTX in the patch pipette to block large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels, a 45 +/- 7-picosiemen 4-AP-sensitive K+ channel was identified that was sensitive to cytoplasmic Ca2+ (n = 6). Increasing intracellular Ca2+ decreased channel opening probability [NxP(open), where N is the number of functional channels in a patch and P(open) is the opening probability] at all membrane potentials examined. At 0 mV, increasing Ca2+ from < 5 to 200 and 600 nmol/L free Ca2+ decreased NxP(open) by 52 +/- 3% and 73 +/- 7%, respectively (n = 6). The decrease in opening probability of the delayed rectifier K+ channel resulted from a concentration- and voltage-dependent decrease in mean open time. The decrease in mean open time reflected significant decreases and increases in open and closed time constants, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Multiple components of delayed rectifier K+ current in canine colonic smooth muscle

1. We investigated the pharmacology and voltage-dependent activation and inactivation kinetics of the 'delayed rectifier' K+ current, IdK, in canine colonic myocytes and developed protocols which separate this current into three distinct components that differ in their kinetics and pharmacology. 2. Block of IdK by TEA or 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) alone was incomplete. Maximal concentrations of TEA or 4-AP blocked 76% (EC50 = 2.6 mM) and 51% (EC50 = 69 mM) of current, respectively. In the presence of 10 mM 4-AP, IdK could be blocked completely by TEA. 3. TEA and 4-AP had distinct effects on current activation: time constants for activation of IdK at +10 mV were 25.6 +/- 4.4 ms under control conditions, 40.3 +/- 7.6 ms in the presence of 10 mM 4-AP and 16.7 +/- 2.3 ms with 10 mM TEA in the bath solution. 4-AP block and removal of block were use dependent, but no frequency dependence or voltage dependence of steady-state block could be detected. These data are consistent with the presence of a rapidly activating 4-AP-sensitive current, IdK(f), and a more slowly activating TEA-sensitive current component, IdK(s). 4. A third component of the delayed rectifier current, IdK(n), was revealed when 10 mM TEA was included in the pipette solution. IdK(n) was rapidly activating, had a membrane potential at half-maximal inactivation (V1/2) for steady-state inactivation 13 mV negative of that for the mixed IdK, was completely insensitive to 4-AP (10 mM) and was blocked by external TEA with an EC50 of 7.7 mM. 5. These data demonstrate that the delayed rectifier current in canine colonic smooth muscle is composed of three currents, IdK(f), IdK(s) and IdK(n). All three currents are insensitive to charybdotoxin (100 nM).

Physiological roles and properties of potassium channels in arterial smooth muscle

This review examines the properties and roles of the four types of K+ channels that have been identified in the cell membrane of arterial smooth muscle cells. 1) Voltage-dependent K+ (KV) channels increase their activity with membrane depolarization and are important regulators of smooth muscle membrane potential in response to depolarizing stimuli. 2) Ca(2+)-activated K+ (KCa) channels respond to changes in intracellular Ca2+ to regulate membrane potential and play an important role in the control of myogenic tone in small arteries. 3) Inward rectifier K+ (KIR) channels regulate membrane potential in smooth muscle cells from several types of resistance arteries and may be responsible for external K(+)-induced dilations. 4) ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels respond to changes in cellular metabolism and are targets of a variety of vasodilating stimuli. The main conclusions of this review are: 1) regulation of arterial smooth muscle membrane potential through activation or inhibition of K+ channel activity provides an important mechanism to dilate or constrict arteries; 2) KV, KCa, KIR, and KATP channels serve unique functions in the regulation of arterial smooth muscle membrane potential; and 3) K+ channels integrate a variety of vasoactive signals to dilate or constrict arteries through regulation of the membrane potential in arterial smooth muscle.

Inhibition of delayed rectifier K(+)-current by levcromakalim in single intestinal smooth muscle cells: effects of cations and dependence on K(+)-flux

1. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings were made from single smooth muscle cells isolated from the longitudinal layer of the guinea-pig small intestine. 2. Levcromakalim ((-)Ckm) inhibited delayed rectifier K-current (IK(DR)) and induced a voltage-independent K-current (IK(-Ckm)). Both effects were inhibited similarly by glibenclamide. In some cells, however, IK(-Ckm) could be induced without any effect on IK(DR). 3. Ba2+ caused a voltage-dependent block of IK(-Ckm). The IC50 was 0.2 mM at -40 mV (6 cells), but at 0 mV 2 mM Ba2+ caused only a 26 +/- 7% inhibition (n = 5). Ba2+ had much less effect on IK(DR), 2 mM Ba2+ having no inhibitory effect on current elicited by depolarization to -30 mV (n = 6) or 0 mV (n = 5). 4. Low concentrations of Zn2+ blocked IK(-Ckm) while having little effect on IK(DR). Zn2+ (40 microM) caused a 77 +/- 1% reduction of IK(-Ckm) at -30 mV (n = 4) but IK(DR) was inhibited by only 10 +/- 3% at the same voltage (n = 4). 5. Inward current amplitudes were compared in 135 mM Rb+ and 135 mM K+ bath solutions. (-)Ckm-activated Rb(+)-current was only 4% of the K(+)-current, whereas delayed rectifier Rb(+)-current was larger than K(+)-current. 6. (-)Ckm did not inhibit IK(DR) if IK(-Ckm) was blocked. In the presence of 2 mM Ba2+ or 135 mM Rb+, (-)Ckm did not induce current nor did it inhibit the delayed rectifier. When [Rb+]o was 25 mM and [K+]J was 130 mM, (-)Ckm elicited outward current and inhibited outward delayed rectifier current (at voltages positive of the reversal potential) but it did not elicit inward current or inhibit inward delayed rectifier current (at voltages negative of the reversal potential).7. These experiments indicate that (-)Ckm-activated K channels are more sensitive to inhibition by Ba2+and Zn2+ and pass inward Rb+ current less well than delayed rectifier K channels. They also suggest that (-)Ckm does not modulate delayed rectifier K channels directly or via an intermediate protein but that the inhibitory effect of (-)Ckm on IK(DR) arises as a consequence of K+-flux through (-)Ckm activated K channels.

Aminopyridine inhibition and voltage dependence of K+ currents in smooth muscle cells from cerebral arteries

Voltage-dependent K+ currents were characterized using the patch-clamp technique in smooth muscle cells isolated from rabbit cerebral (basilar) arteries. This study focused on the voltage dependence and the pharmacology of these K+ currents, since this information will be useful for the investigation of the role of the voltage-dependent K+ channels in arterial function. Currents through Ca(2+)-activated K+ (KCa) channels were minimized by buffering intracellular Ca2+ to low levels and by blockers (tetraethylammonium and iberiotoxin) of these channels. Membrane depolarization increased K+ currents, independent of changes in the driving force for K+ movement. With 140 mM internal and external K+, activation of K+ currents by membrane depolarization was half maximal at about -10 mV and increased as much as e-fold per 11 mV. Inactivation also depended on voltage, with a midpoint at -44 mV. 3,4-Diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP),4-aminopyridine(4-AP),3-amino-pyridine(3-AP), and 2-aminopyridine (2-AP) inhibited voltage-dependent K+ currents. At 0 mV, 3,4-DAP, 4-AP, 3-AP, and 2-AP (5 mM) inhibited the K+ currents by 84, 66, 36, and 8%, respectively. Phencyclidine (100 microM) inhibited the current by 53% at 0 mV. Steady-state whole cell currents through these channels were measured at physiological membrane potentials. At -40 mV, 4-AP (5 mM) reduced the steady-state outward current by 2.5 pA. These results are consistent with the idea that voltage-dependent K+ channels are involved in the regulation of the membrane potential of arterial smooth muscle.

Cloning and characterization of a Kv1.5 delayed rectifier K+ channel from vascular and visceral smooth muscles

We have cloned and characterized the expression of a Kv1.5 K+ channel (cKv1.5) from canine colonic smooth muscle. The amino acid sequence displayed a high level of identity to other K+ channels of the Kv1.5 class in the core region between transmembrane segments S1-S6; however, identity decreased to between 74 and 82% in the NH2 and COOH terminal segments, suggesting that cKv1.5 is a distinct isoform of the Kv1.5 class. Functional expression of cKv1.5 in oocytes demonstrated a channel highly selective for K+, which activates in a voltage-dependent manner on depolarization to membrane potentials positive to -40 mV. At room temperature the channel showed fast activation (time to half of peak current, 5.5 ms) and slow inactivation that was incomplete after 20-s depolarizations. Single channel analysis of the channel expressed in oocytes displayed a linear current-voltage curve and had a slope conductance of 9.8 +/- 1.1 pS. Northern blot analysis demonstrated differential expression of cKv1.5 in smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and abundant expression in several vascular smooth muscles. We propose that cKv1.5 represents a component of the delayed rectifier current in both vascular and visceral smooth muscles.

Physiological role of Ca(2+)-activated and voltage-dependent K+ currents in rabbit coronary myocytes

The properties and function of Ca(2+)-activated K+ (KCa) and voltage-dependent K+ (IK) currents of rabbit coronary myocytes were studied under whole cell voltage-clamp conditions (22 degrees C). Inhibition of KCa by tetraethylammonium chloride (1-10 mM) or charybdotoxin (50-100 nM) suppressed noisy outward rectifying current elicited by 5-s voltage steps or ramp at potentials > 0 mV, reduced the hump of the biphasic ramp current-voltage relation, and shifted by less than +5 mV the potential at which no net steady-state current is recorded (Enet; index of resting membrane potential). Inhibition of steady-state inward Ca2+ currents [ICa(L)] by nifedipine (1 microM) displaced Enet by -11 mV. Analysis of steady-state voltage dependence of IK supported the existence of a "window" current between -50 and 0 mV. 4-Aminopyridine (2 mM) blocked a noninactivating component of IK evoked between -30 and -40 mV, abolished the hump current during ramps, and shifted Enet by more than +15 mV; hump current persisted during 2-min ramp depolarizations and peaked near the maximum overlap of the steady-state activation and inactivation curves of IK (about -22 mV). A threefold rise in extracellular Ca2+ concentration (1.8-5.4 mM) enhanced time-dependent outward K+ current (6.7-fold at +40 mV) and shifted Enet by -30 mV. It is concluded that, under steady-state conditions, IK and ICa(L) play a major role in regulating resting membrane potential at a physiological level of intracellular Ca2+ concentration, with a minor contribution from KCa. However, elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration enhances KCa and hyperpolarizes the myocyte to limit Ca2+ entry through ICa(L).

The role of the membrane potential of endothelial and smooth muscle cells in the regulation of coronary blood flow

In the mammalian heart the supply of oxygen and energy-rich substrates through the coronary arterioles is continuously adapted to the variations of cardiac work. The coronary resistance arteries and the surrounding myocardium form a functional unit with multiple interactions between coronary endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, perivascular nerves, and cardiac muscle cells. We describe the mechanisms underlying the electrical and chemical communication between the different cell types, the ionic channels contributing to the resting potential of endothelial and smooth muscle cells, and the mechanisms responsible for modulation of the resting potential. The main conclusion of our analysis is that the membrane potential of coronary endothelial and smooth muscle cells is one of the major determinants of coronary blood flow, and that modulation of the membrane potential provides a way to dilate or constrict coronary resistance arteries. It is proposed that the membrane potential of the myo-endothelial regulatory unit, i.e., of the endothelial cells and the underlying smooth muscle cells in the terminal arterioles, may function as an integrator of the numerous local and global vasodilator and constrictor signals that provide for the adaptation of coronary blood flow to the metabolic demands of the heart.

Beta-adrenergic agonists regulate KCa channels in airway smooth muscle by cAMP-dependent and -independent mechanisms

Stimulation of calcium-activated potassium (KCa) channels in airway smooth muscle cells by phosphorylation-dependent and membrane-delimited, G protein actions has been reported (Kume, H. A. Takai, H. Tokuno, and T. Tomita. 1989. Nature [Lond.]. 341:152-154; Kume, H., M. P. Graziano, and M. I. Kotlikoff. 1992. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 89:11051-11055). We show that beta-adrenergic receptor/channel coupling is not affected by inhibition of endogenous ATP, and that activation of KCa channels is stimulated by both alpha S and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). PKA stimulated channel activity in a dose-dependent fashion with an EC50 of 0.12 U/ml and maximum stimulation of 7.38 +/- 2.04-fold. Application of alpha S to patches near maximally stimulated by PKA significantly increased channel activity to 15.1 +/- 3.65-fold above baseline, providing further evidence for dual regulatory mechanisms and suggesting that the stimulatory actions are independent. Analysis of channel open-time kinetics indicated that isoproterenol and alpha S stimulation of channel activity primarily increased the proportion of longer duration events, whereas PKA stimulation had little effect on the proportion of short and long duration events, but resulted in a significant increase in the duration of the long open-state. cAMP formation during equivalent relaxation of precontracted muscle strips by isoproterenol and forskolin resulted in significantly less cAMP formation by isoproterenol than by forskolin, suggesting that the degree of activation of PKA is not the only determinant of tissue relaxation. We conclude that beta-adrenergic stimulation of KCa channel activity and relaxation of tone in airway smooth muscle occurs, in part, by means independent of cyclic AMP formation.

Ionic basis of the action potential of guinea pig gallbladder smooth muscle cells

Smooth muscle cells in the intact guinea pig gallbladder had a resting membrane potential of about -45 mV and had spontaneous action potentials that consisted of a rapid depolarization, a transient repolarization, a plateau phase, and a complete repolarization. These action potentials lasted approximately 570 ms and occurred at a frequency of approximately 0.4 Hz. Action potentials were abolished by the dihydropyridine (DHP)-sensitive Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine (1.0 microM) and were enhanced by the DHP-sensitive Ca2+ channel agonist BAY K 8644 (0.5 microM). The K+ channel blockers tetraethylammonium chloride (5.0 mM) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP; 2.0 mM) prolonged the action potential, whereas charybdotoxin (100 nM), a blocker of calcium-activated potassium channels, had no effect. Whole cell currents were characterized in enzymatically isolated smooth muscle cells from the same preparation. 4-AP, a blocker of voltage-dependent K+ channels, suppressed 70% of the outward current at 0 mV. Charybdotoxin (100 nM) reduced an additional 15% of the current at 0 mV. Single calcium-activated potassium channels were identified. The potential for half-activation of these channels, at a cytosolic Ca2+ concentration of 100 nM, was 66.8 mV. A fivefold increase in cytosolic Ca2+ resulted in a shift of the activation curve by -53 mV. External tetraethylammonium chloride (200 microM) reduced the mean single channel current by 48% at 0 mV. The whole cell outward current was abolished by replacement of intracellular K+ for Cs+. Ca2+ currents were inhibited by nifedipine and were increased by BAY K 8644. We conclude that DHP-sensitive voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels are responsible for the depolarization of the action potentials and that the repolarization is due to primarily 4-AP-sensitive K+ current.

Levcromakalim may induce a voltage-independent K-current in rat portal veins by modifying the gating properties of the delayed rectifier

1. Smooth muscle cells of the rat portal vein were dispersed by enzymatic treatment and recordings of whole-cell currents under calcium-free conditions were made by the voltage-clamp technique. The effects of the potassium (K)-channel opener, levcromakalim, on K-currents were compared with those of agents which modify protein phosphorylation. 2. Levcromakalim (1-10 microM) added to the extracellular (bath) fluid caused the development of a non-inactivating current (IK(ATP)) and simultaneously inhibited the delayed rectifier current (IK(V)) in a concentration-dependent manner. On prolonged exposure to levcromakalim (10 microM), IK(ATP) declined and IK(V) was further diminished. 3. Addition to the pipette (intracellular) solution of the selective inhibitor of protein kinase C, calphostin C, itself had no effect on K-currents and did not modify the induction of IK(ATP) or the simultaneous inhibition of IK(V) produced by 1 microM levcromakalim. 4. Addition of the protein kinase inhibitor (PKI(6-22)amide, 1 microM) to the pipette solution caused the production of a glibenclamide-sensitive, non-inactivating current and inhibited IK(V). 5. In an assay system, levcromakalim (10 microM) did not inhibit the activity of purified protein kinase A (Type 1 or Type 2). 6. Addition to the pipette solution of the phosphatase inhibitor, okadaic acid (1 microM), did not itself modify K-currents and had little effect on the simultaneous induction of IK(ATP) and inhibition of IK(V) by levcromakalim (1 microM). 7. When the pipette solution contained 1 mM MgATP (but was depleted of substrates for ATP production), a non-inactivating, glibenclamide-sensitive K-current developed spontaneously in 5 out of 11 cells with the simultaneous reduction of IK(V). In 3 of the 6 remaining cells, addition of the dephosphorylating agent, butanedione monoxime (5 mM) to the bath inhibited IK(V) and stimulated a glibenclamide-sensitive non-inactivating current. 8. Depletion of intracellular Mg2+ slightly enhanced IK(V). Under these conditions, levcromakalim (1 microM and 10 microM) did not significantly induce IK(ATP) or inhibit IK(V). 9. It is concluded that the effects of levcromakalim on K-currents can be mimicked by procedures designed to reduce channel phosphorylation. The results are consistent with the view that levcromkalim dephosphorylates the delayed rectifier channel, KV, which becomes converted into a voltage-independent, non-inactivating form known as KATP. The possible mechanisms which underlie this interconversion are discussed.