scholarly journals Sodium ions as blocking agents and charge carriers in the potassium channel of the squid giant axon.

1977 ◽  
Vol 70 (6) ◽  
pp. 707-724 ◽  
Author(s):  
R J French ◽  
J B Wells
Keyword(s):  
Giant Axon ◽  
Negative Slope ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Voltage Range ◽  
Channel Current ◽  
Outward Currents ◽  
Current Voltage ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Series Of Experiments ◽  
Pass Through

Instantaneous K channel current-voltage (I-V) relations were determined by using internally perfused squid axons. When K was the only internal cation, the I-V relation was linear for outward currents at membrane potentials up to +240 mV inside. With 25-200 mM Na plus 300 mM K in the internal solution, an N-shaped I-V curve was seen. Voltage-dependent blocking of the K channels by Na produces a region of negative slope in the I-V plot (F. Bezanilla and C. M. Armstrong. 1972. J. Gen Physiol, 60: 588). At higher voltages (greater than or equal to 160 mV) we observed a second region of increasing current and a decrease in the fraction of the K conductance blocked by Na. Internal tetraethylammonium (TEA) ions blocked currents over the whole voltage range. In a second series of experiments with K-free, Na-containing internal solutions, the I-V curve turned sharply upward about +160 mV. The current at high voltages increased with increasing internal Na concentration was largely blocked by internal TEA. These data suggest that the K channel becomes substantially more permeable to Na at high voltages. This change is apparently responsible for the relief, at high transmembrane voltages, of the blocking effect seen in axons perfused with Na plus K mixtures. Each time a Na ion passed through, vacating the blocking site, the channel would transiently allow K ions to pass through freely.

scholarly journals Fast and slow gating are inherent properties of the pore module of the K+ channel Kcv

2009 ◽  
Vol 134 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Abenavoli ◽  
Mattia Lorenzo DiFrancesco ◽  
Indra Schroeder ◽  
Svetlana Epimashko ◽  
Sabrina Gazzarrini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Channel ◽  
Negative Slope ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Open Probability ◽  
Channel Current ◽  
Voltage Curve ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Current Voltage Curve ◽  
Fast Gating ◽  
Basic Features

Kcv from the chlorella virus PBCV-1 is a viral protein that forms a tetrameric, functional K+ channel in heterologous systems. Kcv can serve as a model system to study and manipulate basic properties of the K+ channel pore because its minimalistic structure (94 amino acids) produces basic features of ion channels, such as selectivity, gating, and sensitivity to blockers. We present a characterization of Kcv properties at the single-channel level. In symmetric 100 mM K+, single-channel conductance is 114 ± 11 pS. Two different voltage-dependent mechanisms are responsible for the gating of Kcv. “Fast” gating, analyzed by β distributions, is responsible for the negative slope conductance in the single-channel current–voltage curve at extreme potentials, like in MaxiK potassium channels, and can be explained by depletion-aggravated instability of the filter region. The presence of a “slow” gating is revealed by the very low (in the order of 1–4%) mean open probability that is voltage dependent and underlies the time-dependent component of the macroscopic current.

Modulation of the delayed rectifier, IK, by cadmium in cat ventricular myocytes

1992 ◽  
Vol 262 (1) ◽  
pp. C75-C83 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. H. Follmer ◽  
N. J. Lodge ◽  
C. A. Cullinan ◽  
T. J. Colatsky
Keyword(s):  
Voltage Clamp ◽  
Ventricular Myocytes ◽  
Outward Current ◽  
Membrane Potentials ◽  
Delayed Rectifier ◽  
Voltage Range ◽  
Control Value ◽  
Current Voltage ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Slope Factor

The effects of cadmium on the delayed outward potassium current (IK) were investigated in isolated cat ventricular myocytes using the single suction pipette voltage-clamp technique. IK activation was examined using peak tail currents elicited after 750-ms voltage-clamp steps to selected membrane potentials from a holding potential of -40 mV. In the presence of Cd2+ (0.2 mM), peak tail currents increased from a control value of 85 +/- 12 to 125 +/- 18 pA (n = 4). Activation curves constructed from the average peak tail-current measurements in all experiments showed that Cd2+ shifted the voltage dependence of activation to more positive potentials by 16.4 +/- 2.0 mV and increased the slope factor of the activation curve from 6.1 +/- 0.2 to 6.9 +/- 0.2 mV. In the absence of Cd2+, increases in holding potential from -30 to -70 mV had no effect on the magnitude of the peak tail currents, suggesting that the Cd(2+)-induced increase was not the result of a voltage-dependent increase in the number of available K+ channels at the holding potential. Slow voltage ramps from -70 to +70 mV revealed that Cd2+ increased the outward current at membrane potentials positive to +20 mV and shifted the voltage range in which IK inwardly rectified to more positive potentials. The fully activated current-voltage relationship was also shifted to more positive potentials by Cd2+. Cd2+ did not alter channel selectivity for K+.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

scholarly journals Voltage-dependent block of cardiac inward-rectifying potassium current by monovalent cations.

1989 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 349-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
R D Harvey ◽  
R E Ten Eick
Keyword(s):  
Ventricular Myocytes ◽  
Negative Slope ◽  
Voltage Sensitivity ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Inward Current ◽  
Current Voltage ◽  
Steady State Current ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Current Block ◽  
K Current

The inward-rectifying K+ current (IK1) in cat ventricular myocytes, like inward-rectifying K+ currents in many other preparations, exhibited a negative slope conductance region at hyperpolarized membrane potentials that was time-dependent. This was evident as an inactivation of inward current elicited by hyperpolarizing voltage-clamp pulses resulting in a negative slope region of the steady-state current-voltage relationship at potentials negative to -140 mV. Removing extracellular Na+ prevented the development of the negative slope in this voltage region, suggesting that Na+ can block IK1 channels in a time- and voltage-dependent manner. The time and voltage dependence of Cs+-induced block of IK1 was also examined. Cs+ blocked inward current in a manner similar to that of Na+, but the former was much more potent. The fraction of current blocked by Cs+ in the presence of Na+ was reduced in a time- and voltage-dependent manner, which suggested that these blocking ions compete for a common or at least similar site of action. In the absence of Na+, inactivation of IK1 could also be induced by both Cs+ and Li+. However, Li+ was less potent than Na+ in this respect. Calculation of the voltage sensitivity of current block by each of these ions suggests that the mechanism of block by each is similar.

ATP-sensitive K + -channel run-down is Mg 2+ dependent

1990 ◽  
Vol 240 (1298) ◽  
pp. 397-410 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
State Probability ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Channel Activity ◽  
Channel Current ◽  
Phosphatase Inhibitor ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Insulin Secreting Cells ◽  
Channel Currents

ATP-sensitive K + -channel currents were recorded from isolated mem­brane patches and voltage-clamped CRI-G1 insulin-secreting cells. Inter­nal Mg 2+ ions inhibited ATP-K + channels by a voltage-dependent block of the channel current and decrease of open-state probability. The run­ down of ATP-K + channel activity was also shown to be [Mg 2+ ] i depen­dent, being almost abolished in Mg 2+ -free conditions. Substitution of Mn 2+ for Mg 2+ did not prevent run-down, nor did the presence of phos­phate-donating nucleotides, a protease or phosphatase inhibitor or replacement of Cl by gluconate.

scholarly journals Cation permeation through the voltage-dependent potassium channel in the squid axon. Characteristics and mechanisms.

1987 ◽  
Vol 90 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
P K Wagoner ◽  
G S Oxford
Keyword(s):  
Binding Energies ◽  
Ion Concentration ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Delayed Rectifier ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
K Channels ◽  
Energy Profiles ◽  
Current Voltage ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Ion Binding Sites

Characteristics of cation permeation through voltage-dependent delayed rectifier K channels in squid giant axons were examined. Axial wire voltage-clamp measurements and internal perfusion were used to determine conductance and permeability properties. These K channels exhibit conductance saturation and decline with increases in symmetrical K+ concentrations to 3 M. They also produce ion- and concentration-dependent current-voltage shapes. K channel permeability ratios obtained with substitutions of internal Rb+ or NH+4 for K+ are higher than for external substitution of these ions. Furthermore, conductance and permeability ratios of NH+4 or Rb+ to K+ are functions of ion concentration. Conductance measurements also reveal the presence of an anomalous mole fraction effect for NH+4, Rb+, or Tl+ to K+. Finally, internal Cs+ blocks these K channels in a voltage-dependent manner, with relief of block by elevations in external K+ but not external NH+4 or Cs+. Energy profiles for K+, NH+4, Rb+, Tl+, and Cs+ incorporating three barriers and two ion-binding sites are fitted to the data. The profiles are asymmetric with respect to the center of the electric field, have different binding energies and electrical positions for each ion, and (for K+) exhibit concentration-dependent barrier positions.

Modeling the current-voltage characteristics of charophyte membranes. III. K+ state of Lamprothamnium

2001 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 541
Author(s):  
Mary J. Beilby ◽  
Virginia A. Shepherd
Keyword(s):  
K Channel ◽  
Background Current ◽  
Channel Current ◽  
Current Voltage ◽  
Permeability Parameter ◽  
Similar Range ◽  
K Concentration ◽  
Response To Change ◽  
Best Fit ◽  
Combined Channel

The K + state of salt-tolerant charophyte Lamprothamnium papulosum (Wallr.) J. Gr., acclimated to 0.5 seawater (SW) containing 4.5 mM K + , was investigated by exposing the cells to a range of [K + ] o from 0 to 45.0 mM . The current–voltage (I/V) characteristics were modeled as a sum of four different transporter currents: the large conductance K + channel current, inward and outward K + rectifier currents and linear background current. The first three transporters were fitted with the Goldmann-Hodgkin-Katz (GHK) model. The potential difference (PD) dependence of the population of open channels was simulated by Boltzmann probability distribution. The linear background current exhibited reversal PD independent of lsqb;K + ] o and the background conductance decreased as lsqb;K + ] o increased. The combined channel number and permeability parameter, N K P K , was in a similar range for all three K + transporters. The N K P K parameter of the large conductance K + channel reached a maximum at lsqb;K + ] o concentration of 9 mM , decreasing at 45 mM . The modeled large conductance K + channel revealed a strong asymmetry of the I/V profile in response to change of outside and inside K + concentrations. This behaviour was exploited to estimate the rise of cytoplasmic K + concentration at the time of the hypotonic effect. The cytoplasmic K + concentration range giving the best fit to the data in steady-state was 28–65 mM .

Determination of Pure Voltage-Dependent Ca2+ Current in Paramecium Caudatum and its Inhibition by Divalent Cations

1985 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 321-334
Author(s):  
FRANK WEHNER ◽  
EILO HILDEBRAND
Keyword(s):  
Dissociation Constants ◽  
Divalent Cations ◽  
Equilibrium Potential ◽  
Ca Channel ◽  
Paramecium Caudatum ◽  
Voltage Range ◽  
Outward Currents ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Inward Currents

Voltage-dependent Ca2+ currents in Paramecium caudatum were studied under voltage clamp conditions. To separate Ca2+ inward currents from concomitant K+ outward currents, the voltage-dependent Ca2+ conductance was temporarily inactivated by a preceding depolarization. The remaining currents were then subtracted from the overall currents measured in the absence of a prepulse. In this way pure Ca2+ currents could be obtained up to a depolarization of 100 mV, which is about 50 mV below the theoretical Ca2+ equilibrium potential (Eca). Ca2+ currents were maximal at a depolarization of 35 mV and declined with further approach to Eca, but they did not reverse sign in the voltage range tested. In the presence of Mg2+, Co2+, Mn2+ or Ni2+, the Ca2+ inward currents decreased to a different extent. From experiments where these cations were added at different concentrations and from measurements at different Ca2+ concentrations in the absence of other divalent cations the following ratio of apparent dissociation constants could be derived: kNi: kco: kca: kMg = 1:3:4.3-4.7:5:6.5. With a confidence of 95% the absolute value of kca lies between 40 and 130μmol l−1. These results indicate that Ca2+ and other divalent cations compete for binding sites at the Ca-channel and thus determine excitability. Indirect effects due to changes of the surface potential are discussed.

scholarly journals Sodium channel activation in the squid giant axon. Steady state properties.

1985 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
J R Stimers ◽  
F Bezanilla ◽  
R E Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Giant Axon ◽  
Open Channels ◽  
Na Channel ◽  
Channel Activation ◽  
Voltage Range ◽  
Linear Sequence ◽  
Center Point ◽  
Gating Charge ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Loligo Pealei

Treatment of giant axons from the squid, Loligo pealei, with pronase removes Na channel inactivation. It was found that the peak Na current is increased, but the activation kinetics are not significantly altered, by pronase. Measurements of the fraction of open channels as a function of voltage (F-V) showed an e-folding at 7 mV and a center point near -15 mV. The rate of e-folding implies that a minimum of 4 e-/channel must cross the membrane field to open the channel. The charge vs. voltage (Q-V) curve measured in a pronase-treated axon is not significantly different from that measured when inactivation is intact: approximately 1,850 e-/micron2 were measured over the voltage range -150 to 50 mV, and the center point was near -30 mV. Normalizing these two curves (F-V and Q-V) and plotting them together reveals that they cross when inactivation is intact but saturate together when inactivation is removed. This illustrates the error one makes when measuring peak conductance with intact inactivation and interpreting that to be the fraction of open channels. A model is described that was used to interpret these results. In the model, we propose that inactivation must be slightly voltage dependent and that an interaction occurs between the inactivating particle and the gating charge. A linear sequence of seven states (a single open state with six closed states) is sufficient to describe the data presented here for Na channel activation in pronase-treated axons.

scholarly journals Fast inactivation causes rectification of the IKr channel.

1996 ◽  
Vol 107 (5) ◽  
pp. 611-619 ◽  
Author(s):  
P S Spector ◽  
M E Curran ◽  
A Zou ◽  
M T Keating ◽  
M C Sanguinetti
Keyword(s):  
Outward Current ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Delayed Rectifier ◽  
Fast Inactivation ◽  
Time Constants ◽  
Recovery From Inactivation ◽  
Current Voltage ◽  
Voltage Dependent ◽  
Cardiac Delayed Rectifier ◽  
Cytoplasmic Side

The mechanism of rectification of HERG, the human cardiac delayed rectifier K+ channel, was studied after heterologous expression in Xenopus oocytes. Currents were measured using two-microelectrode and macropatch voltage clamp techniques. The fully activated current-voltage (I-V) relationship for HERG inwardly rectified. Rectification was not altered by exposing the cytoplasmic side of a macropatch to a divalent-free solution, indicating this property was not caused by voltage-dependent block of outward current by Mg2+ or other soluble cytosolic molecules. The instantaneous I-V relationship for HERG was linear after removal of fast inactivation by a brief hyperpolarization. The time constants for the onset of and recovery from inactivation were a bell-shaped function of membrane potential. The time constants of inactivation varied from 1.8 ms at +50 mV to 16 ms at -20 mV; recovery from inactivation varied from 4.7 ms at -120 mV to 15 ms at -50 mV. Truncation of the NH2-terminal region of HERG shifted the voltage dependence of activation and inactivation by +20 to +30 mV. In addition, the rate of deactivation of the truncated channel was much faster than wild-type HERG. The mechanism of HERG rectification is voltage-gated fast inactivation. Inactivation of channels proceeds at a much faster rate than activation, such that no outward current is observed upon depolarization to very high membrane potentials. Fast inactivation of HERG and the resulting rectification are partly responsible for the prolonged plateau phase typical of ventricular action potentials.

scholarly journals Single Streptomyces lividans K+ Channels

1999 ◽  
Vol 114 (4) ◽  
pp. 551-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lise Heginbotham ◽  
Meredith LeMasurier ◽  
Ludmilla Kolmakova-Partensky ◽  
Christopher Miller
Keyword(s):  
Open Channel ◽  
Low Ph ◽  
K Channel ◽  
Channel Activity ◽  
Lipid Bilayer Membranes ◽  
Bilayer Membranes ◽  
Electrophysiological Properties ◽  
Channel Current ◽  
Side Channels ◽  
Voltage Dependent

Basic electrophysiological properties of the KcsA K+ channel were examined in planar lipid bilayer membranes. The channel displays open-state rectification and weakly voltage-dependent gating. Tetraethylammonium blocking affinity depends on the side of the bilayer to which the blocker is added. Addition of Na+ to the trans chamber causes block of open-channel current, while addition to the cis side has no effect. Most striking is the activation of KcsA by protons; channel activity is observed only when the trans bilayer chamber is at low pH. To ascertain which side of the channel faces which chamber, residues with structurally known locations were mapped to defined sides of the bilayer. Mutation of Y82, an external residue, results in changes in tetraethylammonium affinity exclusively from the cis side. Channels with cysteine residues substituted at externally exposed Y82 or internally exposed Q119 are functionally modified by methanethiosulfonate reagents from the cis or trans chambers, respectively. Block by charybdotoxin, known to bind to the channel's external mouth, is observed only when the toxin is added to the cis side of channels mutated to be toxin sensitive. These results demonstrate unambiguously that the protonation sites linked to gating are on the intracellular portion of the KcsA protein.

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