Open channel block of human heart hKv1.5 by the beta-subunit hKv beta 1.2

Voltage-gated K+ currents in human heart are likely to derive from multisubunit complexes of pore-forming alpha-subunits with one or more auxiliary beta-subunits. We recently cloned a novel beta-subunit from human atrium, hKv beta 1.2 (K. Majumder, M. De Biasi, Z. Wang, and B. A. Wible. FEBS Lett. 361: 13-16, 1995), and showed that it interacts with channels in the Kv1 family. Here we characterize the interaction of hKv beta 1.2 with hKv1.5 in terms of a two-closed-state and one-open-state open channel block model. After coexpression in Xenopus oocytes, hKv1.5 currents were reduced in the presence of hKv beta 1.2, and at positive potentials an inactivation process was introduced. Deactivation kinetics of hKv1.5 were slowed, and there was an increased steepness with a -14-mV hyperpolarizing shift in the midpoint of steady-state activation. The model was able to predict all the above features of the interaction of hKv1.5 and hKv beta 1.2 as a result of rapid open channel block of activated channels. Understanding the mechanism of hKv beta 1.2 action on heart K+ channels will further aid the development of the functional and pharmacological characterization of native cardiac K+ currents.

Canine jejunal submucosa cultures: characterization and release of neural somatostatin

A primary culture of the canine jejunal submucosa has been established and used to investigate neuronal somatostatin release. Immunocytochemical characterization of the cultures demonstrated the presence of the following peptidergic neurons: neurotensin (30%), somatostatin (27%), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (14%), neuropeptide Y (10%), and substance P (5%). No immunoreactive neurons were observed with the available antisera to galanin, gastrin-releasing peptide, and motilin. The concentration of somatostatin-like immunoreactivity, as determined by radioimmunoassay of cell extracts, was 358 +/- 105 pmol/well. Basal release of somatostatin was 4.4 +/- 0.9% total cell content and was significantly inhibited by the addition of substance P at 1 and 100 nM. The addition of the calcium ionophore, A23187, with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate stimulated somatostatin release in a concentration-dependent manner. These data indicate that short-term cultures of the jejunal submucosal plexus will be an excellent model for determination of the factors influencing the release of neural somatostatin.