Single anion-selective channel and its ion selectivity in the vascular smooth muscle cell

The ATP-Releasing Maxi-Cl Channel: Its Identity, Molecular Partners and Physiological/Pathophysiological Implications

The Maxi-Cl phenotype accounts for the majority (app. 60%) of reports on the large-conductance maxi-anion channels (MACs) and has been detected in almost every type of cell, including placenta, endothelium, lymphocyte, cardiac myocyte, neuron, and glial cells, and in cells originating from humans to frogs. A unitary conductance of 300-400 pS, linear current-to-voltage relationship, relatively high anion-to-cation selectivity, bell-shaped voltage dependency, and sensitivity to extracellular gadolinium are biophysical and pharmacological hallmarks of the Maxi-Cl channel. Its identification as a complex with SLCO2A1 as a core pore-forming component and two auxiliary regulatory proteins, annexin A2 and S100A10 (p11), explains the activation mechanism as Tyr23 dephosphorylation at ANXA2 in parallel with calcium binding at S100A10. In the resting state, SLCO2A1 functions as a prostaglandin transporter whereas upon activation it turns to an anion channel. As an efficient pathway for chloride, Maxi-Cl is implicated in a number of physiologically and pathophysiologically important processes, such as cell volume regulation, fluid secretion, apoptosis, and charge transfer. Maxi-Cl is permeable for ATP and other small signaling molecules serving as an electrogenic pathway in cell-to-cell signal transduction. Mutations at the SLCO2A1 gene cause inherited bone and gut pathologies and malignancies, signifying the Maxi-Cl channel as a perspective pharmacological target.

Cell Volume-Activated and Volume-Correlated Anion Channels in Mammalian Cells: Their Biophysical, Molecular, and Pharmacological Properties

There are a number of mammalian anion channel types associated with cell volume changes. These channel types are classified into two groups: volume-activated anion channels (VAACs) and volume-correlated anion channels (VCACs). VAACs can be directly activated by cell swelling and include the volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying anion channel (VSOR), which is also called the volume-regulated anion channel; the maxi-anion channel (MAC or Maxi-Cl); and the voltage-gated anion channel, chloride channel (ClC)-2. VCACs can be facultatively implicated in, although not directly activated by, cell volume changes and include the cAMP-activated cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) anion channel, the Ca²⁺-activated Cl^- channel (CaCC), and the acid-sensitive (or acid-stimulated) outwardly rectifying anion channel. This article describes the phenotypical properties and activation mechanisms of both groups of anion channels, including accumulating pieces of information on the basis of recent molecular understanding. To that end, this review also highlights the molecular identities of both anion channel groups; in addition to the molecular identities of ClC-2 and CFTR, those of CaCC, VSOR, and Maxi-Cl were recently identified by applying genome-wide approaches. In the last section of this review, the most up-to-date information on the pharmacological properties of both anion channel groups, especially their half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀ values) and voltage-dependent blocking, is summarized particularly from the standpoint of pharmacological distinctions among them. Future physiologic and pharmacological studies are definitely warranted for therapeutic targeting of dysfunction of VAACs and VCACs.

The maxi-anion channel: a classical channel playing novel roles through an unidentified molecular entity

The maxi-anion channel is widely expressed and found in almost every part of the body. The channel is activated in response to osmotic cell swelling, to excision of the membrane patch, and also to some other physiologically and pathophysiologically relevant stimuli, such as salt stress in kidney macula densa as well as ischemia/hypoxia in heart and brain. Biophysically, the maxi-anion channel is characterized by a large single-channel conductance of 300-400 pS, which saturates at 580-640 pS with increasing the Cl(-) concentration. The channel discriminates well between Na(+) and Cl(-), but is poorly selective to other halides exhibiting weak electric-field selectivity with an Eisenman's selectivity sequence I. The maxi-anion channel has a wide pore with an effective radius of approximately 1.3 nm and permits passage not only of Cl(-) but also of some intracellular large organic anions, thereby releasing major extracellular signals and gliotransmitters such as glutamate(-) and ATP(4-). The channel-mediated efflux of these signaling molecules is associated with kidney tubuloglomerular feedback, cardiac ischemia/hypoxia, as well as brain ischemia/hypoxia and excitotoxic neurodegeneration. Despite the ubiquitous expression, well-defined properties and physiological/pathophysiological significance of this classical channel, the molecular entity has not been identified. Molecular identification of the maxi-anion channel is an urgent task that would greatly promote investigation in the fields not only of anion channel but also of physiological/pathophysiological signaling in the brain, heart and kidney.

Inhibition of a cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum chloride channel by tamoxifen

Anion and cation channels present in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) are believed to be necessary to maintain the electroneutrality of SR membrane during Ca(2+) uptake by the SR Ca(2+) pump (SERCA). Here we incorporated canine cardiac SR ion channels into lipid bilayers and studied the effects of tamoxifen and other antiestrogens on these channels. A Cl(-) channel was identified exhibiting multiple subconductance levels which could be divided into two primary conductance bands. Tamoxifen decreases the time the channel spends in its higher, voltage-sensitive band and the mean channel current. The lower, voltage-insensitive, conductance band is not affected by tamoxifen, nor is a K(+) channel present in the cardiac SR preparation. By examining SR Ca(2+) uptake, SERCA ATPase activity, and SR ion channels in the same preparation, we also estimated SERCA transport current, SR Cl(-) and K(+) currents, and the density of SERCA, Cl(-), and K(+) channels in cardiac SR membranes.

ATP release via anion channels

ATP serves not only as an energy source for all cell types but as an 'extracellular messenger' for autocrine and paracrine signalling. It is released from the cell via several different purinergic signal efflux pathways. ATP and its Mg(2+) and/or H(+) salts exist in anionic forms at physiological pH and may exit cells via some anion channel if the pore physically permits this. In this review we survey experimental data providing evidence for and against the release of ATP through anion channels. CFTR has long been considered a probable pathway for ATP release in airway epithelium and other types of cells expressing this protein, although non-CFTR ATP currents have also been observed. Volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying (VSOR) chloride channels are found in virtually all cell types and can physically accommodate or even permeate ATP(4-) in certain experimental conditions. However, pharmacological studies are controversial and argue against the actual involvement of the VSOR channel in significant release of ATP. A large-conductance anion channel whose open probability exhibits a bell-shaped voltage dependence is also ubiquitously expressed and represents a putative pathway for ATP release. This channel, called a maxi-anion channel, has a wide nanoscopic pore suitable for nucleotide transport and possesses an ATP-binding site in the middle of the pore lumen to facilitate the passage of the nucleotide. The maxi-anion channel conducts ATP and displays a pharmacological profile similar to that of ATP release in response to osmotic, ischemic, hypoxic and salt stresses. The relation of some other channels and transporters to the regulated release of ATP is also discussed.

Wide nanoscopic pore of maxi-anion channel suits its function as an ATP-conductive pathway

The newly proposed function of the maxi-anion channel as a conductive pathway for ATP release requires that its pore is sufficiently large to permit passage of a bulky ATP(4-) anion. We found a linear relationship between relative permeability of organic anions of different size and their relative ionic mobility (measured as the ratio of ionic conductance) with a slope close to 1, suggesting that organic anions tested with radii up to 0.49 nm (lactobionate) move inside the channel by free diffusion. In the second approach, we, for the first time, succeeded in pore sizing by the nonelectrolyte exclusion method in single-channel patch-clamp experiments. The cutoff radii of PEG molecules that could access the channel from intracellular (1.16 nm) and extracellular (1.42 nm) sides indicated an asymmetry of the two entrances to the channel pore. Measurements by symmetrical two-sided application of PEG molecules yielded an average functional pore radius of approximately 1.3 nm. These three estimates are considerably larger than the radius of ATP(4-) (0.57-0.65 nm) and MgATP(2-) (approximately 0.60 nm). We therefore conclude that the nanoscopic maxi-anion channel pore provides sufficient room to accommodate ATP and is well suited to its function as a conductive pathway for ATP release in cell-to-cell communication.

Large conductance channel in plasma membranes of astrocytic cells is functionally related to mitochondrial VDAC-channels

Large conductance anion channels with similar electrophysiological characteristics were found in plasma membranes and in outer mitochondrial membranes of various cell types. Although their large conductance and their peculiar voltage dependence point to a close relation, it was questioned whether they belong to the same family. We therefore compared some biochemical features of a plasmalemmal channel with those known from the mitochondrial channel. Current events were recorded from excised patches of plasma membranes of a rat astrocytic cell line (RGCN). The underlying channels exhibited a conductance of 401 +/- 50 pS. Open probability was highest between +/- 10 mV and gradually approached zero beyond +/- 25 mV. Activity as induced by voltage ramps between +/- 40 mV appeared after a delay of up to several min. The delay could be reduced by bathing either side of the patch in an acidic Ringer solution (pH 6.2). 1 mM Al3+ increased the open time at potentials more positive than 20 mV. 10 mM dextran sulfate (MW 8000) caused reversible flickering, increasing the closed probability. 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2' disulfonic acid (DIDS) also caused a reversible flickering into the closed state, reducing the apparent single channel amplitude by up to 70% at 0.5 mM DIDS. Application of 5 mM ATP resulted in reversible blockade; ATP was more effective from the outside than from the inside (blocking activity 65% vs. 16% of the patches). We conclude that the large conductance anion channel from astrocytic cells displays electrophysiological and pharmacological characteristics that resemble those of VDAC (Voltage Dependent Anion Channel) from the outer mitochondrial membrane.

Macroscopic and single-channel chloride currents in neuropile glial cells of the leech central nervous system

In patch-clamp experiments we characterized four Cl- channels (42 pS, 70 pS, 80 pS and 229 pS) underlying the large Cl- conductance of leech neuropile glial cells. They differed with respect to their gating, their rectification and their activity in the cell-attached configuration, showed the selectivity sequence I->Cl->/=Br->F- and were impermeable to SO42-. The four channels were blocked by NPPB, DPC, niflumic acid and DIDS and exhibited either three or four sublevel states. The outward rectifying 42 pS, 70 pS and 80 pS Cl- channels were classified as intermediate conductance Cl- channels and they could contribute to the high Cl- conductance of the glial membrane, which stabilizes the glial membrane potential. The inward rectifying 229 pS Cl- channel is very similar to vertebrate high conductance Cl- channels, which are assumed to be part of an emergency system that is activated under pathophysiological conditions. In voltage-clamp experiments we calculated that the Cl- conductance amounts to one-third of the total membrane conductance. Reduction of this Cl- conductance by Cl- channel inhibitors markedly depolarized the glial cell membrane. These prominent depolarizations depended on Na+ influx and in most cases the glial cells failed to regulate their membrane potential following wash-out of the inhibitors.

Characterization and relative abundance of maxi-chloride channels in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) producer: B95-8 cells

Several Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-transformed cell lines were used to investigate the pathogenesis of lymphoproliferative diseases and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The studies focus on the events occurring inside the membrane. On only one occasion, the cell membrane of EBV-transformed B lymphocytes from a cystic fibrosis patient was found to express defective Cl channels (CFTR; Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator), as in the airway epithelial cell. No other type of channel in EBV-transformed cells has so far been investigated. In this study, the cell membrane of the B95-8 cell was examined by the patch-clamp technique and compared to the non-EBV-infected BJAB cell. The high conductance (approximately 300 pS) maxi-chloride (Cl) channel activity was the most frequently observed event in inside-out configurations. Under similar experimental conditions, we have found a significantly higher probability of detecting maxi-Cl channel activity on the cell membrane of B95-8 cells (69%) than on BJAB cells (27%), or as previously reported on resting murine B lymphocytes (38%) or intact human T lymphocytes (37%). The relative abundance of the maxi-Cl channel on B95-8 cells may be linked to EBV infection and/or secretory ability.

Voltage-dependent chloride channels: invertebrates to man

Chloride channels are ubiquitous proteins found in invetebrates to man. Cl- is one of the most abundant biological anions and accounts for a measurable fraction of the electrical conductance of many biological membranes. Physiologically this contributes to cellular processes, including pH regulation, volume regulation, generation of the resting membrane potential, and regulation of membrane excitability. The unitary conductance of voltage-dependent Cl- channels is as diverse as the number of different types of Cl- channels described ranging from 5-450 pS. Cl- channels are highly anion selective passing at least ten anionic species, including all of the halides. Cl- channels are blocked by various agents, including aromatic acids, inorganic cations, and protons. Maintaining high resting conductance and normal excitability, regulating cell volume, and modulating hormone action are some examples of the functions of Cl- channels. Despite the large amount of data accumulated on voltage-dependent Cl- channels, identifying subsets within this class of channels with coherent biophysical features that subserve each specific function is still not possible. At present, the molecular structure for every type of functional Cl- channels has not been determined, but future identification of cloned Cl- channel structures should provide a clearer understanding of the functional properties of background Cl- channels.

Characterization of a chloride channel reconstituted from cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum

We have characterized a voltage-sensitive chloride channel from cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) following reconstitution of porcine heart SR into planar lipid bilayers. In 250 mM KCl, the channel had a main conductance level of 130 pS and exhibited two substrates of 61 and 154 pS. The channel was very selective for Cl- over K+ or Na+ (PK+/PCl- = 0.012 and PNa+/PCl- approximately 0.040). It was permeable to several anions and displayed the following sequence of anion permeability: SCN- > I- > NO3- approximately Br- > Cl- > F- > HCOO-. Single-channel conductance saturated with increasing Cl- concentrations (Km = 900 mM and gamma max = 488 pS). Channel activity was voltage dependent, with an open probability ranging from approximately 1.0 around 0 mV to approximately 0.5 at +80 mV. From -20 to +80 mV, channel gating was time-independent. However, at voltages below -40 mV the channel entered a long-lasting closed state. Mean open times varied with voltage, from approximately 340 msec at -20 mV to approximately 6 msec at +80 mV, whereas closed times were unaffected. The channel was not Ca(2+)-dependent. Channel activity was blocked by disulfonic stilbenes, arylaminobenzoates, zinc, and cadmium. Single-channel conductance was sensitive to trans pH, ranging from approximately 190 pS at pH 5.5 to approximately 60 pS at pH 9.0. These characteristics are different from those previously described for Cl- channels from skeletal or cardiac muscle SR.

Chloride permeability of rat brain membrane vesicles correlates with thiamine triphosphate content

Incubation of rat brain homogenates with thiamine or thiamine diphosphate (TDP) leads to a synthesis of thiamine triphosphate (TTP). In membrane vesicles subsequently prepared from the homogenates, increased TTP content correlates with increased 36Cl- uptake. A hyperbolic relationship was obtained with a K0.5 of 0.27 nmol TTP/mg protein. In crude mitochondrial fractions from the brains of animals previously treated with thiamine or sulbutiamine, a positive correlation between 36Cl- uptake and TTP content was found. These results, together with other results previously obtained with the patch-clamp technique, suggest that TTP is an activator of chloride channels having a large unit conductance.

Spontaneous transient inward currents and rhythmicity in canine and guinea-pig tracheal smooth muscle cells

Spontaneous transient inward currents (STICs) were recorded in canine and guinea-pig tracheal myocytes held at negative membrane potentials. STICs were Cl- selective since their reversal potential was dependent on the Cl- gradient and they were blocked by the Cl- channel blocker niflumic acid. STICs were insensitive to Cs+, charybdotoxin, and nifedipine. Ca(2+)-activated K+ currents often preceded STICs, suggesting that the STICs are Ca2+ dependent. In support of this suggestion, we found the Cl- currents were: (1) abolished by depleting intracellular Ca2+ stores using caffeine, acetylcholine, histamine, or substance P; (2) enhanced by increasing external concentrations of Ca2+; (3) evoked by voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx. The channels responsible for this Cl- current are of small unitary conductance (< 20 pS). Decay of the STICs was described by a single exponential with a time constant of 94 +/- 9 ms at -70 mV; the time constant increased considerably at more positive potentials. Using Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- currents and contractions as indices of internal levels of Ca2+, we found that isolated tracheal cells are capable of exhibiting rhythmic behaviour: bursts of currents and contractions with a periodicity of less than 0.1 Hz and which continued for more than 20 min. These rhythmic events were recorded at negative membrane potentials, suggesting that cyclical release of internally sequestered Ca2+ is responsible. We conclude that spontaneous release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores in tracheal muscle cells leads to transient currents in some cases accompanied by rhythmic contractions. Our studies provide evidence for a cellular mechanism that could underly myogenic oscillations of membrane potential in smooth muscle.

Hyperpolarization-activated chloride currents in Xenopus oocytes

During hyperpolarizing pulses, defolliculated Xenopus oocytes have time- and voltage-dependent inward chloride currents. The currents vary greatly in amplitude from batch to batch; activate slowly and, in general, do not decay; have a selectivity sequence of I- > NO3- > Br- > Cl- > propionate > acetate; are insensitive to Ca2+ and pH; are blocked by Ba2+ and some chloride channel blockers; and have a gating valence of approximately 1.3 charges. In contrast to hyperpolarization-activated chloride currents induced after expression of phospholemman (Palmer, C. J., B. T. Scott, and L. R. Jones. 1991. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 266:11126; Moorman, J. R., C. J. Palmer, J. E. John, J. E. Durieux, and L. R. Jones. 1992. 267:14551), these endogenous currents are smaller; have a different pharmacologic profile; have a lower threshold for activation and lower voltage-sensitivity of activation; have different activation kinetics; and are insensitive to pH. Nonetheless, the endogenous and expressed current share striking similarities. Recordings of macroscopic oocyte currents may be inadequate to determine whether phospholemman is itself an ion channel and not a channel-modulating molecule.

Thiamine triphosphate activates an anion channel of large unit conductance in neuroblastoma cells

In neuroblastoma cells, the intracellular thiamine triphosphate (TTP) concentration was found to be about 0.5 microM, which is several times above the amount of cultured neurons or glial cells. In inside-out patches, addition of TTP (1 or 10 microM) to the bath activated an anion channel of large unit conductance (350-400 pS) in symmetrical 150 mM NaCl solution. The activation occurred after a delay of about 4 min and was not reversed when TTP was washed out. A possible explanation is that the channel has been irreversibly phosphorylated by TTP. The channel open probability (Po) shows a bell-shaped behavior as a function of pipette potential (Vp). Po is maximal for -25 mV < Vp < 10 mV and steeply decreases outside this potential range. From reversal potentials, permeability ratios of PCl/PNa = 20 and PCl/Pgluconate = 3 were estimated. ATP (5 mM) at the cytoplasmic side of the channel decreased the mean single channel conductance by about 50%, but thiamine derivatives did not affect unit conductance; 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (0.1 mM) increased the flickering of the channel between the open and closed state, finally leading to its closure. Addition of oxythiamine (1 mM), a thiamine antimetabolite, to the pipette filling solution potentiates the time-dependent inactivation of the channel at Vp = -20 mV but had the opposite effect at +30 mV. This finding corresponds to a shift of Po towards more negative resting membrane potentials. These observations agree with our previous results showing a modulation of chloride permeability by thiamine derivatives in membrane vesicles from rat brain.

Endothelin and vasopressin activate low conductance chloride channels in aortic smooth muscle cells

The non-contractile aortic smooth muscle cell line A7r5 was used to study the membrane events involved in the effect of vasoconstrictor peptides. Whole-cell voltage-clamp and membrane potential recording techniques were used to demonstrate the contribution of an increased Cl- conductance to the late depolarization induced by endothelin-1 and vasopressin. During cell-attached patch recording with N-methyl-D-glucamine in the pipette, bath application of endothelin or vasopressin induced single-channel inward currents in the following minutes. The current/potential (I/V) curve of the most frequently observed channel type--a small conductance Cl- (SCl) channel--reversed near the cell membrane potential and showed a single-channel conductance of 1.8 pS for inward currents. After patch excision in an extracellular solution containing CaCl2 (2 mM), the frequency of SCl channel openings increased. Patch excision in the absence of peptide stimulation also produced this channel activity. Replacement of CaCl2 by a Ca2+ chelator on the intracellular face of a patch reversibly inhibited the channel activity, indicating that these SCl channels are Ca(2+)-activated Cl- channels. The single-channel I/V characteristic showed outward rectification above +50 mV. An analysis of the gating kinetics of the SCl channel is given. Another channel type was recorded less frequently after peptide stimulation. It had a lower conductance (1.0-1.3 pS) and slower kinetics and was designated a very small conductance Cl- channel. It is concluded that activation of two types of Cl- channels (at least one of which is Ca2+ dependent) is involved in the late depolarization produced by vasoconstrictor peptides in vascular smooth muscle cells of the aortic cell line A7r5.

Two types of chloride channel in the basolateral membrane of vestibular dark cells

Transepithelial and cell membrane potential measurements have suggested that the basolateral membrane of gerbil vestibular dark cells contains Cl- conductive pathways. We used the patch clamp technique to search this membrane for Cl- conductive channels which could account for the macroscopic observations. Two types of Cl- channel were found in both cell-attached and excised membrane patches. One type was found with an incidence of 19% and had a single-channel conductance of 95 +/- 1 pS (N = 20) in symmetrical Cl- solutions. The other type was found with an incidence of 3% and had a large single-channel conductance of 360 +/- 11 pS (N = 12) in symmetrical Cl- solutions (LC-type Cl- channel). Both types of Cl- channel had linear current-voltage relations and at least 2 substates. In asymmetrical Cl- solutions (gluconate substitution) the current-voltage relations fit the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz current equation for Cl-. Neither channel was blocked by Zn2+, NPPB, DIDS, DNDS or quinine. The 95 pS channel exhibited a spontaneous 'rundown' of its activity within 1 to 10 min after being excised. This rundown was not reversed by the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A. Channel activity was not dependent on the presence of cytosolic Ca2+ nor markedly altered by variations in cytosolic pH between 6.5 and 8.0. The two Cl- channels were distinguished by the membrane voltage ranges in which they were active and by their anion selectivity. The open probability of the 95 pS channel was insensitive to voltage and the anions NO3-, I- and Br- were only half as permeable as Cl-. By contrast, the LC-type Cl- channel was mostly active between about +/- 30 mV and equally permeable to NO3-, I-, Br- and Cl-. The 95 pS Cl- channel may account for the observed transepithelial and intracellular voltage responses to Cl- concentration steps and provide the path for the recirculation of Cl- across the basolateral membrane. The LC-type Cl- channel shows the same lack of anion discrimination as the anion pathway activated during hyposmotic challenge.

Effect of buffers and osmolality on anion uniport across the mitochondrial inner membrane

The effects of buffers and osmolality of the suspending medium on the pH-dependent anion uniport across the inner membrane of isolated rat liver mitochondria have been studied using the light scattering technique to measure passive osmotic swelling. In contrast to some other transport processes the rates of entry of chloride and other anions via the anion-conducting channel decreased steeply with increasing solute concentration. This effect appears to be a result of increased osmolality or decreased matrix volume rather than inhibition by the anion since it was also produced by increasing the osmolality by addition of non-penetrant solutes. The effects of some pH buffers on the mitochondrial anion-conducting channel were also investigated. Some zwitterionic buffers had little effect other than that produced by increasing osmolality but Tricine, Popso and Caps produced marked additional inhibition of anion uniport and several other zwitterionic buffers were also inhibitory. The correlation between increased anion conductivity and increased matrix volume supports the proposal that this channel functions in regulation of the volume of the mitochondrial matrix.

Diphenylamine-2-carboxylate analogues block Cl- conductances in A7r5 cells by affecting cellular Ca2+ homeostasis

We have investigated the cellular signalling pathway by which vasopressin stimulates a Ca2(+)-dependent Cl- conductance and the effects of two known Cl- channel blockers in cultured rat A7r5 aortic smooth muscle cells using anion efflux and fluorescent Ca2+ imaging studies. Addition of vasopressin (100 nM) to A7r5 cells enhanced 125I (Cl- substitute) efflux from the cells through a V1 receptor-mediated pathway. Maximal increases in the rate of efflux were observed 1 min following addition of vasopressin (4-fold above basal levels). Activation of the V1 pathway was demonstrated by an increase in inositol trisphosphate (IP3) formation and lack of cAMP accumulation by the cells following the addition of vasopressin. Fluorescent ratio imaging with fura-2 revealed that addition of vasopressin to the cells results in an increase of [Ca2+]i which peaks within 20 s and does not return to resting levels during the 100 s observation period. The addition of a Ca2+ ionophore mimicked the vasopressin-induced efflux from the cells. 5-Nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoic acid (NPPB) and a chloro-substituted compound (cpd 149) inhibited the vasopressin-stimulated 125I efflux from the cells. The concentrations of NPPB and cpd 149 required to inhibit 125I efflux from the cells were similar to those which also attenuated vasopressin-induced Ca2+ transients in the cells. NPPB and cpd 149 had no effects on the ionomycin stimulated efflux. The mechanism(s) by which cpd 149 exerts its effect on stimulated efflux was examined by measuring its action on vasopressin-induced changes in IP3. Compound 149 inhibited IP3 generation in response to vasopressin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Large-conductance chloride channels of new-born rat cardiac myocytes are activated by hypotonic media

Large-conductance chloride (LC-type Cl-) channel activity was studied in rat ventricular myocyte membrane during development. In contrast with results previously obtained in cultured ventricular myocytes of the new-born rat, we failed to record single-channel activity in freshly isolated myocytes whatever the age of the animal (from 2 days old to adult) and the recording patch configuration used. However, spontaneous single-channel activity of LC-type Cl- channels was recorded in bleb membranes of myocytes of rats younger than 12 days, with a higher frequency in excised inside-out membrane patches than in cell-attached membrane patches. In intact neonatal myocytes, application of hypotonic media (150 mOsm) also initiated the channel activity, after variable delays (25-200 s). The channel could not be activated by suction applied through the pipette and was not observable in cells from rats older than 15 days. The LC-type Cl- channels showed properties similar to those reported in other preparations and previously observed in cardiac cultured cells: they had a large single-channel conductance of 400 pS in symmetrical 150 mM NaCl, showed multiple subconductance states, a relatively high selectivity to Cl- ions over Na+ ions (PCl/PNa = 24.6), were blocked by 10 microM 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (SITS) and showed voltage-dependent inactivation. They were not activated by 10 microM colchicine or 3 microM cytochalasin D.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Calcium ion homeostasis in smooth muscle

Ca2+ plays an important role in the regulation of smooth-muscle contraction. In this review, we will focus on the various Ca(2+)-transport processes that contribute to the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. Mainly the functional aspects will be covered. The smooth-muscle inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor and ryanodine receptor will be extensively discussed. Smooth-muscle contraction also depends on extracellular Ca2+ and both voltage- and Ca(2+)-release-activated plasma-membrane Ca2+ channels will be reviewed. We will finally discuss some functional properties of the Ca2+ pumps that remove Ca2+ from the cytoplasm and of the Ca2+ regulation of the nucleus.

Voltage-sensitive chloride channels of large conductance in the membrane of pig aortic endothelial cells

Single, large-conductance chloride-selective channels were studied in the membrane of pig aortic endothelial cells. These channels were usually inactive in cell-attached recordings and activated spontaneously upon formation of inside-out patches or amphotericin B-perforated vesicles. Channel activity was voltage dependent, with a maximum open probability within the range of -20 mV to + 20 mV. Addition of 1 mM Zn2+ to either the cytoplasmic or extracellular side blocked channel activity reversibly. Extracellular 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS) blocked the channels; the concentration necessary for half-maximum blockade was 100 mumol/l. The frequency of observing channels in cell-attached patches increased from less than 5% to 27% when cells were treated for several minutes with 1 mumol/l bradykinin and to 80% in the presence of the calcium ionophore A23187 (1 mumol/l). Both agents increase the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration, thereby stimulating nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and cGMP formation in endothelial cells. Sodium nitroprusside (100 mumol/l), which spontaneously releases NO, did not increase Cl- channel activity in intact cells. Polymyxin B (100 mumol/l), an inhibitor of protein kinase C, clearly enhanced Cl- channel activity in intact cells, resulting in the observation of Cl- channels in 70% of cell-attached patches. Our results demonstrate the existence of a large-conductance (LC-type) Cl- channel in vascular endothelium which is subject to a complex cellular regulation, possibly involving inhibition via phosphorylation by protein kinase C, and activation by a Ca2(+)-dependent process which is different from the NO/cGMP pathway.

Cell swelling increases membrane conductance of canine cardiac cells: evidence for a volume-sensitive Cl channel

Cardiac cell swelling occurs under abnormal conditions. Currents through volume-sensitive channels, if present in heart, will affect the cardiac electrical activity. Single canine ventricular myocytes were voltage clamped under conditions that largely suppressed Na, K, and Ca channel currents and currents generated by electrogenic transport systems. Cell width and membrane conductance were monitored continuously. Swelling was induced by increasing the osmolarity of the pipette solution or by decreasing the osmolarity of the external solution. During cell swelling, the cell widened and membrane conductance increased. This increase in membrane conductance was sensitive to Cl channel blockers and to external Cl removal, suggesting that a major component was provided by a Cl channel. The current-voltage relationship of the swelling-induced current displayed an outward rectification, with an average zero-current voltage of -60 mV. The activation of the swelling-induced current did not seem to depend on external or internal Ca and was not sensitive to a protein kinase inhibitor (H-8). Shape-altering agents chlorpromazine decreased while dipyridamole and trinitrophenol increased the membrane conductance without osmotic perturbations, suggesting that changes in tension in the cell membrane may play a role in opening and closing of the swelling-induced channels.

Characterization of large-conductance chloride channels in rabbit colonic smooth muscle

1. A large-conductance Cl- channel was characterized in cell-free membrane patches from the rabbit longitudinal colonic smooth muscle using the patch clamp technique. In addition, the regulation of these channels by neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor agonists and G proteins was studied. 2. No spontaneous channel activity was observed in cell-attached patches at the cell resting potential, or in excised patches at pipette potentials (Vp) between -20 and 20 mV. In excised patches, channel activity could be induced in thirty-six out of ninety-six patches by holding the patch at Vp values more negative than -60 mV or more positive than 60 mV. Once induced, the channel showed a bell-shaped voltage activation curve in high symmetric [Cl-], with maximal open probability between 20 and -5 mV. Varying cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]) between 5 x 10(-8) M and 1.0 mM had no effect on the voltage activation of the channel. 3. In inside-out and outside-out patches, when pipette and bath solutions contained equal [Cl-] (130 mM), the anion channel showed a linear current-voltage (I-V) relationship between -60 and 60 mV with a slope conductance of 309 +/- 20 pS (n = 13). Reversal potential measurements indicated that the channel was selective for Cl- over Na+ and K+ (PCl/PNa = 6:1). 4. Channel openings from the closed state to the full open state as well as transitions through smaller conductance states were observed. The smallest detectable substate had a conductance of 15.6 pS. Based on the similarities in selectivity and linearity of the I-V curve of the smaller conductances with the full open state, and kinetic analysis of channel activity, it is concluded that the large conductance channel is composed of multiple substates which can either open and close independently, or simultaneously via a main gate. 5. The stilbene derivative diiso-thiocyanato-stilbene-disulphonic acid (DIDS) and the diphenylamine-2-carboxylate analogue 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)-benzoate (NPPB) caused a dose-dependent, reversible flicker block of the small conductance and significantly reduced the macroscopic current flow through the channel. 6. In quiescent outside-out patches, when the pipette contained a 140 mM-CsCl solution with 10(-6) M-CaCl2, 1.2 mM-MgCl2 and 1 mM-GTP, and the bath contained Ringer solution, addition of the NK-1 receptor antagonists substance P methylester resulted in activation of the full conductance state and of smaller substates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Anion channels in a human pancreatic cancer cell line (Capan-1) of ductal origin

Transepithelial solute transport and bicarbonate secretion are major functions of pancreatic duct cells, and both functions are thought to involve the presence of chloride channels in the apical membrane of the cell. After being isolated from a human pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the Capan-1 cell line conserves most of the properties of ductal cells and thus constitutes a useful system for investigating the role of chloride channels. Using patch-clamp techniques, we identified three different chloride-selective channels in the apical membrane of confluent Capan-1 cells. Two were non-rectifying chloride channels with low (50 pS) and high (350 pS) unitary conductances. Both channels were active in cell-attached recordings, and they were consistently located together in the same patch. Maxi Cl- channels displayed multiple subconductance states, and were reversibly inactivated by either positive or negative voltage changes, which indicates that they were optimally opened at the cell resting potential. The third was an outwardly rectifying chloride channel with a unitary conductance of 38 pS and 70 pS at negative and positive potentials respectively. Rectifying Cl- channels were clustered in discrete loci. They were silent in situ, but became active after patch excision. In inside-out excised patches, the three channels displayed a high selectivity for Cl- over monovalent cations (Na+ and K+) and gluconate. They were blocked by 20-200 microM 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) and were insensitive to changes in the Ca2+ concentration. Our results show that the apical membrane of Capan-1 cells contains a high density of chloride channels; these channels may provide pathways for transepithelial solute transport as well as for bicarbonate secretion.

Anion channels from rat brain synaptosomal membranes incorporated into planar bilayers

Synaptic membranes from rat brain were incorporated into planar lipid bilayers, and the characteristics of two types of anion-selective channels (type I and type II) were investigated. In asymmetric BaCl2 buffers (cis, 100 mM/trans, 25 mM), single channel conductances at -40 mV were 70 pS (type I) and 120 pS (type II). Permeability ratios (PNa:PBa:PCl) calculated from the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz current equation for type I and type II channels were 0.23:0.04:1 and 0.05:0.03:1, respectively. Both channels exhibited characteristic voltage-dependent bursting activities. Open probability for type I channels had a maximum of approximately 0.7 at about 0 mV and decreased to zero at greater transmembrane potentials of either polarity. Type II channels were relatively voltage independent at negative voltages and were inactivated at highly positive voltages. Type I channels showed spontaneous irreversible inactivation often preceded by sudden transition to subconducting states. DIDS blocked type I channels only from the cis side, while it blocked type II channels from either side.

Blockade of Cl channels by organic and inorganic blockers in vascular smooth muscle cells

The effects of Cl channel blockers on large-conductance (LC-type) Cl channels of cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were studied in order to characterize the channel pharmacologically. Intracellular disulphonic stilbene derivatives, such as 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (DIDS) and 4-acetamido-4-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid (SITS) inhibited Cl channel activity in a dose-dependent manner. An obvious inhibitory effect of DIDS in this condition was obtained at concentrations higher than 5 microM, and the complete inhibition was obtained at around 100 microM, which was almost 10 times less than the effective dose of SITS. The inhibitory effect of DIDS was reversible at a drug concentration of lower than 50 microM. Single-channel conductance decreased as the concentration of DIDS increased. This decrease in the conductance was a consequence of unresolved openings of the channel due to fast blocking and unblocking rates of the drug. The Cl channel was also obviously inhibited by extracellular DIDS at a concentration of 1 mM. In addition, in cell-attached patches, 500 microM DIDS applied extracellularly inhibited Cl channel activated by the application of polymyxin B. We also investigated the effect of Zn on Cl channels in VSMC. Intracellular Zn dose dependently and reversibly blocked the channel at the positive intracellular potential range, whereas at the negative intracellular potential range it did not block the channel activity. Results in this study suggest the diversity of Cl channels among various tissues.

Mechanisms underlying the slow onset of action of a new dihydropyridine, NZ-105, on a cultured smooth muscle cell line

The inhibitory effect of a new dihydropyridine derivative, (+/-)-2-[benzyl(phenyl)amino]ethyl-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5- (5,5-dimethyl-2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxaphosphorinan-2-yl)-4-(3-nitrophenyl )-3- pyridinecarboxylate hydrochloride (NZ-105), on whole cell Ca2+ current (ICa) in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells was investigated with the patch clamp technique. NZ-105 blocked ICa in a concentration-dependent manner when the command pulse ranged from +10 mV to -50 mV. The inhibitory effect of NZ-105 appeared at concentrations higher than 10 pmol/l and it blocked ICa completely at a concentration of 1 nmol/l. The concentration which produced the half-maximal inhibitory effect was estimated to be around 20 pmol/l. NZ-105 (500 pmol/l) completely blocked ICa elicited by depolarization to +10 mV at a holding potential of -40 mV, whereas it blocked ICa by only 67% at a holding potential of -90 mV. NZ-105 (100 pmol/l) shifted the steady-state inactivation curve by 40 mV to more negative potentials without affecting its slope factor. The blocking time constant of 500 pmol/l NZ-105 was 57.6 +/- 9.9 s at a holding potential of -70 mV. These results indicate that NZ-105 has characteristics typical of dihydropyridines and binds to Ca2+ channels of vascular smooth muscle cells with a high affinity. They also suggested that the slow onset of its action is due to the slow binding of the drug to Ca2+ channels.

Voltage-dependent sodium and potassium, but no calcium conductances in DDT1 MF-2 smooth muscle cells

Voltage-dependent inward and outward membrane currents were investigated in the DDT1 MF-2 smooth muscle cell line using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Application of a pulse protocol with subsequent depolarizing voltage steps elicited an inactivating inward current and a non-inactivating outward current. The outward current was activated at membrane potentials more positive than -35 mV, with tau act = 30 -40 ms. The outward current was blocked by tetraethylammonium (NEt4Cl) and 3,4-aminopyridine in a dose-dependent manner (EC50 of 5 mM and 0.5 mM, respectively). The amplitude of the outward current was linked to the potassium equilibrium potential (Vek), and tail currents reversed near Vek. The outward current was completely abolished when intracellular potassium was substituted by 106 mM caesium and 20 mM NEt4Cl. The inward current was activated at potentials more positive than -30 mV with tau act of 1.6-2.5 ms, and with tau inact of 1.7-3.0 ms. Steady-state inactivation was 50% at a holding potential of -40 mV. The inward current was blocked by tetrodotoxin (EC50 of 0.15 microM) and dependent on the reversal potential for sodium. Voltage-dependent calcium currents could not be detected. Further, the cytoplasmic free calcium concentration, as measured using Indo-1 fluorescence, was not changed during high-potassium (40 mM)-induced depolarization. In contrast, contraction of freshly obtained hamster vas deferens tissue elicited by high-potassium(40 mM)-induced depolarization was largely inhibited by diltiazem (20 microM). These findings showed that voltage-dependent calcium channels are not functional in DDT1 MF-2 smooth muscle cells in contrast to freshly obtained Syrian hamster vas deferens smooth muscle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Chloride current in mammalian cardiac myocytes. Novel mechanism for autonomic regulation of action potential duration and resting membrane potential

The properties of the autonomically regulated chloride current (ICl) were studied in isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes. This current was elicited upon exposure to isoproterenol (ISO) and reversed upon concurrent exposure to acetylcholine (ACh). ICl was time independent and exhibited outward rectification. The responses to ISO and ACh could be blocked by propranolol and atropine, respectively, and ICl was also elicited by forskolin, 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate, and 3-isobutyl-l-methylxanthine, indicating that the current is regulated through a cAMP-dependent pathway. The reversal potential of the ISO-induced current followed the predicted chloride equilibrium potential, consistent with it being carried predominantly by Cl-. Activation of ICl produced changes in the resting membrane potential and action potential duration, which were Cl- gradient dependent. These results indicate that under physiological conditions ICl may play an important role in regulating action potential duration and resting membrane potential in mammalian cardiac myocytes.

A large, multiple-conductance chloride channel in normal human T lymphocytes

Chloride (Cl) channels have been proposed to play roles in lymphocyte functions including volume regulation and cellular cytotoxicity; however, direct studies of such channels in normal human lymphocytes are lacking. In the present study we describe a large conductance Cl channel observed in about 50% of excised, inside-out patches from normal human peripheral T lymphocytes. The channel has multiple conductance states with linear single-channel current-versus-voltage relationships in symmetrical Cl solutions. The most prevalent state is the largest, which has a conductance of about 365 pS. The channel closes in a voltage-dependent manner at both negative and positive potentials, but does not show voltage-dependent inactivation. The probability of opening is maximal between -15 mV and +15 mV and the voltage dependence is well described by two Boltzmann equations with half-maximal probabilities at -22.8 mV and +18.0 mV. The slopes of the voltage dependence suggest two gates in series with 5.7 and 9.6 equivalent charges. The channel was about 30 times more selective for Cl- than for Na+ or K+ under balanced osmolarity but less selective (approx. 11:1) under a large osmotic gradient. The single-channel conductance increased with Cl concentration with an apparent saturation at about 581 pS and a Michaelis-Menten constant of about 120 mM. The selectivity sequence among anions, determined from changes in reversal potential was: I- greater than NO3- greater than Br-, Cl- greater than F-, isethionate, HCO3- greater than SO4(2-) greater than gluconate, propionate greater than aspartate much greater than Na+, K+ and was apparently the same for subconductance states.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A chloride channel in excised patches from cultured rat hippocampal neurons

A non-calcium-dependent chloride channel of conductance 62 pS, found in isolated inside-out patches of cultured fetal rat hippocampal neurons, is described. The channel does not require the presence of any neurotransmitter to be active and probably plays a part in maintaining the normal resting membrane potential.

Properties of single chloride channels in primary neuronal cultures of Drosophila

An anion channel from Drosophila neurons had the selectivity sequence: NO3- (1.97) greater than Br- (1.12) approximately equal to I- (1.03) approximately equal to Cl- (1) greater than F- (0.32) much greater than glutamate (less than 0.02) as estimated by the permeability ratio based on the reversal potential measurement. 4-Acetoamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid applied internally at 10 microM blocked the channel. We suggest that the chloride channel identified here may provide a pathway for Cl- in the resting membrane of Drosophila neurons.

Conduction and blocking properties of a predominantly anion-selective channel from human platelet surface membrane reconstituted into planar phospholipid bilayers

We have investigated the basic properties of a predominantly anion-selective channel derived from highly purified human platelet surface membrane. Single channels have been reconstituted into planar phospholipid bilayers by fusion of membrane vesicles and recorded under voltage-clamp conditions. The channel is found to have the following properties: (i) Channel activity occurs in bursts of openings separated by long closed periods. (ii) The current-voltage relationship is nonlinear. Channel current is seen to rectify, with less current flowing at positive than at negative voltages. Rectification may be due to asymmetric block by HEPES/Tris buffers. In 450 mM KCl, 5 mM HEPES/Tris, pH 7.2, the single channel conductance at -40 mV is approximately 160 pS and at +40 mV is approximately 90 pS. (iii) The conductance-concentration relationship follows a simple saturation curve. Half maximal conductance is achieved at a concentration of approximately 1000 mM KCl, and the curve saturates at a conductance of approximately 500 pS. (iv) Reversal potentials interpreted in terms of the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation indicate a Cl: K permeability ratio of 4:1. (v) The channel accepts all of the halides as well as a number of other anions. The following sequence of relative anion permeabilities (in the presence of K+) is obtained: F- less than acetate- less than gluconate- less than Cl- less than Br- less than I- less than NO3- less tha SCN-.(vi) Cations as large as TEA+ are permeant. (vii) Current through the channel is blocked in the presence of DIDS, SITS and ATP, but not by Zn2+.

Voltage- and time-dependent chloride currents in chick skeletal muscle cells grown in tissue culture

Membrane chloride currents in chick skeletal muscle cells grown in tissue culture were studied by use of the whole cell variation of the patch electrode voltage clamp technique. Small diameter myoballs were obtained by adding colchicine to the growth media. To isolate the currents through the chloride channels, the currents through the sodium, calcium and potassium channels were minimized. With symmetrical chloride concentrations bathing the membrane, inward currents were activated by depolarizations above -45 mV. Above 0 mV, the currents became outward. The reversal potential for the currents shifted with the chloride concentration gradient in a manner consistent with the Nernst relation, indicating that the currents were predominantly carried by chloride ions. The instantaneous current-voltage relation obtained from tail current data was linear. The relationship between conductance and membrane potential was sigmoid. The conductance activated above -45 mV, increased steeply between -45 and -10 mV and saturated above +20 mV. Over the range of potentials where the conductance was just beginning to activate, the conductance increased e-fold for a 7 mV depolarization. The currents activated with an exponential time course and did not decline during step depolarizations. Tail currents declined slowly as the sum of two exponential components. The currents were reversibly suppressed by 100 microM SITS and were irreversibly suppressed by 10 microM DIDS.

Autonomic regulation of a chloride current in heart

In isolated heart cells, beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation induced a background current that was suppressed by simultaneous muscarinic receptor stimulation. Direct activation of adenylate cyclase with forskolin also elicited this current, suggesting regulation by adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP). This current could be recorded when sodium, calcium, and potassium currents were eliminated by channel antagonists or by ion substitution. Alteration of the chloride equilibrium potential produced changes in the reversal potential expected for a chloride current. Activation of this chloride current modulated action potential duration and altered the resting membrane potential in a chloride gradient-dependent manner.

Activity of ion channels during volume regulation by clonal N1E115 neuroblastoma cells

When exposed to a hypotonic bathing solution, clonal N1E115 neuroblastoma cells initially swell and then undergo a regulatory volume decrease (RVD). Using cell-attached patch-clamp recording, we have found that the activity of a stretch-sensitive, nonselective cation [C+(SA)] channel increases shortly after the onset of osmotically induced cell swelling; this depolarizes the cells as much as 30 mV. Shortly thereafter, and roughly coincident with the onset of RVD, two types of voltage-dependent channels open at the new resting potential; these are (i) a delayed-rectifier type K+ [K+(DR)] channel and (ii) a large-conductance anion channel. We suggest that opening of the C+(SA) channel may contribute to the volume "sensor" mechanism, while the depolarization-induced opening of the K+(DR) and anion channels may constitute a significant K+ salt exit pathway, operating in RVD.

Protein kinase C may regulate resting anion conductance in vascular smooth muscle cells

The blocker of protein kinase C(PKC) activated large-conductance channel(337.1 pS) in cell attached patch mode in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells. The channel showed time-dependent inactivation whose time course became faster as the amplitude of the command potential was increased. These characteristics of large-conductance channel activated by the application of the PKC blocker were very similar to those of voltage-dependent Cl channels in these cells, indicating the channel activated by the drug is Cl channel. Since voltage-dependent Cl channels were reported to be only activated by forming inside-out patch, these findings suggest Cl permeability of vascular smooth muscle cells is at least partially regulated by protein kinase C.

Anion channels in giant liposomes made of endoplasmic reticulum vesicles from rat exocrine pancreas

Using the method of dehydration and rehydration, rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) vesicles, isolated by differential centrifugation, can be enlarged to giant liposomes with diameters ranging from 5 to 200 micron. Patch-clamp studies on these giant RER liposomes revealed the existence of a channel with a mean conductance of 260 +/- 7 pS (n = 23; 140 mmol/liter KCl on both sides). The channel is about four times more permeable for Cl- than for K+. Its activity is strongly voltage regulated. At low potentials (+/- 20 mV) the channel is predominantly in its open state with an open probability near 1.0, whereas it closes permanently at high positive and negative voltages (+/- 70 mV). The channel activity is not influenced by changing the free Ca2+ concentration from 1 mmol/liter to less than 10(-9) mol/liter on either side, and is also not affected by typical Cl- -channel blockers like diphenylamine-2-carboxylate (DPC, 1 mmol/liter) or 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (SITS, 1 mmol/liter). Another chloride channel with a single-channel conductance of 79 +/- 6 pS (n = 4) was less frequently observed. In the potential range of -80 to +40 mV this channel displayed no voltage-dependent gating. We assume that these anion channels are involved in the maintenance of electroneutrality during Ca2+ uptake in the RER.

A large conductance Cl- channel revealed by patch-recordings in human fibroblasts

A Cl- channel with large single-unit conductance and characteristic voltage-dependent inactivation was studied on cultured human fibroblasts. The channel was activated only after excision and lasting depolarization of the membrane patch. In inside-out configuration and in symmetrical 135 mM NaCl, the conductance was 300 pS. The channel was usually open at the membrane potentials between -20 to +20 mV, while more negative or positive voltages closed the channel. The time course of this apparent inactivation process was dependent on increasing potential. Recovery from inactivation was made possible by returning the membrane potential to 0 mV. The channel was selective to Cl- over Na+ with a PCl/PNa of 6. The order of permeability among anions was: I greater than Br = Cl greater than isethionate greater than F greater than glutamate. The channel was blocked by internal application of a derivative of the diphenylamine-2-carboxilate (Blocker 144) but not by 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid.