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Characterization of Single Inward Rectifier Potassium Channels from Embryonic Xenopus laevis Myocytes

Characterization of Single Inward Rectifier Potassium Channels from Embryonic Xenopus laevis... Single inward rectifier K+ channels were studied in Xenopus laevis embryonic myocytes. We have characterized in detail the channel which is most frequently observed (Kir) although we routinely observe three other smaller current levels with the properties of inward rectifier K+ channels (Kir(0.3), Kir(0.5) and Kir(0.7)). For Kir, slope conductances of inward currents were 10.3, 20.3, and 27.9 pS, in 60, 120 and 200 mM [K+] o respectively. Extracellular Ba2+ blocked the normally high channel activity in a concentration-dependent manner (K A = 7.8 μm, −90 mV). In whole-cell recordings of inward rectifier K+ current, marked voltage dependence of Ba2+ block over the physiological range of potentials was observed. We also examined current rectification. Following step depolarizations to voltages positive to E K , outward currents through Kir channels were not observed even when the cytoplasmic face of excised patches were exposed to Mg2+-free solution at pH 9.1. This was probably also true for Kir(0.3), Kir(0.5) and Kir(0.7) channels. We then examined the possibility of modulation of Kir channel activity and found neither ATP nor GTP-γS had any effect on Kir channel activity when added to the solution perfusing the cytoplasmic face of a patch. Kinetic analysis revealed Kir channels with a single open state (mean dwell time 72 msec) and two closed states (time constants 1.4, 79 msec). These results suggest that the native Kir channels of Xenopus myocytes have similar properties to the cloned strong inward rectifier K+ channels, in terms of conductance, kinetics and barium block but does show some differences in the effects of modulators of channel activity. Furthermore, skeletal muscle may contain either different inward rectifier channels or a single-channel type which can exist in stable subconductance states. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png The Journal of Membrane Biology Springer Journals

Characterization of Single Inward Rectifier Potassium Channels from Embryonic Xenopus laevis Myocytes

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References (46)

Publisher
Springer Journals
Copyright
Copyright © Inc. by 1997 Springer-Verlag New York
Subject
Life Sciences; Biochemistry, general; Human Physiology
ISSN
0022-2631
eISSN
1432-1424
DOI
10.1007/s002329900263
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Single inward rectifier K+ channels were studied in Xenopus laevis embryonic myocytes. We have characterized in detail the channel which is most frequently observed (Kir) although we routinely observe three other smaller current levels with the properties of inward rectifier K+ channels (Kir(0.3), Kir(0.5) and Kir(0.7)). For Kir, slope conductances of inward currents were 10.3, 20.3, and 27.9 pS, in 60, 120 and 200 mM [K+] o respectively. Extracellular Ba2+ blocked the normally high channel activity in a concentration-dependent manner (K A = 7.8 μm, −90 mV). In whole-cell recordings of inward rectifier K+ current, marked voltage dependence of Ba2+ block over the physiological range of potentials was observed. We also examined current rectification. Following step depolarizations to voltages positive to E K , outward currents through Kir channels were not observed even when the cytoplasmic face of excised patches were exposed to Mg2+-free solution at pH 9.1. This was probably also true for Kir(0.3), Kir(0.5) and Kir(0.7) channels. We then examined the possibility of modulation of Kir channel activity and found neither ATP nor GTP-γS had any effect on Kir channel activity when added to the solution perfusing the cytoplasmic face of a patch. Kinetic analysis revealed Kir channels with a single open state (mean dwell time 72 msec) and two closed states (time constants 1.4, 79 msec). These results suggest that the native Kir channels of Xenopus myocytes have similar properties to the cloned strong inward rectifier K+ channels, in terms of conductance, kinetics and barium block but does show some differences in the effects of modulators of channel activity. Furthermore, skeletal muscle may contain either different inward rectifier channels or a single-channel type which can exist in stable subconductance states.

Journal

The Journal of Membrane Biology – Springer Journals

Published: Aug 1, 1997

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