Lead-induced activation and inhibition of potassium-selective channels in the human red blood cell

Erythrocytes as a biological model for screening of xenobiotics toxicity

Erythrocytes are the main cells in circulation. They are devoid of internal membrane structures and easy to be isolated and handled providing a good model for different assays. Red blood cells (RBCs) plasma membrane is a multi-component structure that keeps the cell morphology, elasticity, flexibility and deformability. Alteration of membrane structure upon exposure to xenobiotics could induce various cellular abnormalities and releasing of intracellular components. Therefore the morphological changes and extracellular release of haemoglobin [hemolysis] and increased content of extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) [as signs of membrane stability] could be used to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of various molecules. The nucleated RBCs from birds, fish and amphibians can be used to evaluate genotoxicity of different xenobiotics using comet, DNA fragmentation and micronucleus assays. The RBCs could undergo programmed cell death (eryptosis) in response to injury providing a useful model to analyze some mechanisms of toxicity that could be implicated in apoptosis of nucleated cells. Erythrocytes are vulnerable to peroxidation making it a good biological membrane model for analyzing the oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation of various xenobiotics. The RBCs contain a large number of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. The changes of the RBCs antioxidant capacity could reflect the capability of xenobiotics to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting in oxidative damage of tissue. These criteria make RBCs a valuable in vitro model to evaluate the cytotoxicity of different natural or synthetic and organic or inorganic molecules by cellular damage measures.

Stimulation of erythrocyte phosphatidylserine exposure by lead ions

Pb+ intoxication causes anemia that is partially due to a decreased life span of circulating erythrocytes. As shown recently, a Ca(2+)-sensitive erythrocyte scramblase is activated by osmotic shock, oxidative stress, and/or energy depletion, leading to exposure of phosphatidylserine at the erythrocyte surface. Because macrophages are equipped with phosphatidylserine receptors, they bind, engulf, and degrade phosphatidylserine-exposing cells. The present experiments were performed to explore whether Pb+ ions trigger phosphatidylserine exposure of erythrocytes. The phosphatidylserine exposure was estimated on the basis of annexin binding as determined using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. Exposure to Pb+ ions [> or =0.1 microM Pb(NO3)2] significantly increased annexin binding. This effect was paralleled by erythrocyte shrinkage, which was apparent on the basis of the decrease in forward scatter in FACS analysis. The effect of Pb+ ions on cell volume was virtually abolished, and the effect of Pb+ ions on annexin binding was blunted after increase of extracellular K+ concentration. Moreover, both effects of Pb+ ions were partially prevented in the presence of clotrimazole (10 microM), an inhibitor of the Ca(2+)-sensitive K+ channels in the erythrocyte cell membrane. Whole cell patch-clamp experiments disclosed a significant activation of a K(+)-selective conductance after Pb+ ion exposure, an effect requiring higher (10 microM) concentrations, however. In conclusion, Pb+ ions activate erythrocyte K+ channels, leading to erythrocyte shrinkage, and also activate the erythrocyte scramblase, leading to phosphatidylserine exposure. The effect could well contribute to the reported decreased life span of circulating erythrocytes during Pb+ intoxication.

Activation of recombinant human SK4 channels by metal cations

The effects of metal cations on the activation of recombinant human SK4 (also known as hIK1 or hKCa4) channels, expressed in HEK 293 cells, were tested using patch clamp recording. Of the nine metals tested, cobalt, iron, magnesium, and zinc did not activate the SK4 channels when applied, at concentrations up to 100 microM, to the inside of SK4 channel-expressing membrane patches. Barium, cadmium, calcium, lead, and strontium activated SK4 channels in a concentration-dependent manner. The rank order of potency was at Ca2+ > Pb2+ > Cd2+ > Sr2+ > Ba2+.

Non-selective voltage-activated cation channel in the human red blood cell membrane

Using the patch-clamp technique, a non-selective voltage-activated Na+ and K+ channel in the human red blood cell membrane was found. The channel operates only at positive membrane potentials from about +30 mV (inside positive) onwards. For sodium and potassium ions, similar conductances of about 21 pS were determined. Together with the recently described K+(Na+)/H+ exchanger, this channel is responsible for the increase of residual K+ and Na+ fluxes across the human red blood cell membrane when the cells are suspended in low ionic strength medium.

Differences in the actions of some blockers of the calcium-activated potassium permeability in mammalian red cells

1. The actions of some inhibitors of the Ca2+-activated K+ permeability in mammalian red cells have been compared. 2. Block of the permeability was assessed from the reduction in the net loss of K+ that followed the application of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187 (2 microM) to rabbit red cells suspended at a haematocrit of 1% in a low potassium solution ([K]0 0.12-0.17 mM) at 37 degrees C. Net movement of K+ was measured using a K+-sensitive electrode placed in the suspension. 3. The concentrations (microM +/- s.d.) of the compounds tested causing 50% inhibition of K+ loss were: quinine, 37 +/- 3; cetiedil, 26 +/- 1; the cetiedil congeners UCL 1269, UCL 1274 and UCL 1495, approximately 150, 8.2 +/- 0.1, 0.92 +/- 0.03 respectively; clotrimazole, 1.2 +/- 0.1; nitrendipine, 3.6 +/- 0.5 and charybdotoxin, 0.015 +/- 0.002. 4. The characteristics of the block suggested that compounds could be placed in two groups. For one set (quinine, cetiedil, and the UCL congeners), the concentration-inhibition curves were steeper (Hill coefficient, nH, > or = 2.7) than for the other (clotrimazole, nitrendipine, charybdotoxin) for which nH approximately 1. 5. Compounds in the first set alone became less active on raising the concentration of K+ in the external solution to 5.4 mM. 6. The rate of K+ loss induced by A23187 slowed in the presence of high concentrations of cetiedil and its analogues, suggesting a use-dependent component to the inhibitory action. This was not seen with clotrimazole. 7. The blocking action of the cetiedil analogue UCL 1274 could not be overcome by an increase in external Ca2+ and its potency was unaltered when K+ loss was induced by the application of Pb2+ (10 microM) rather than by A23187. 8. These results, taken with the findings of others, suggest that agents that block the red cell Ca2+-activated K+ permeability can be placed in two groups with different mechanisms of action. The differences can be explained by supposing that clotrimazole and charybdotoxin act at the outer face of the channel whereas cetiedil and its congeners may block within it, either at or near the K+ binding site that determines the flow of K+.

The effects of adriamycin and adriamycin complexes with transitional metals on Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels of human erythrocytes

The influence of adriamycin (ADR) and ADR complexes with transitional metals Fe2+, Cu2+ and Co2+ on Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels of human erythrocytes was investigated. We show that the anthracycline moiety of ADR increases Ca(2+)-dependent K+ efflux from erythrocytes, induced by low concentrations of propranolol, while the whole molecule of ADR has not any effect on Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels, induced by propranolol or A23187 and on Pb(2+)-dependent K+ efflux. Ethidium bromide, verapamil and trifluoroperazine inhibited Ca(2+)-dependent K+ efflux, induced by high doses of propranolol. The anthracycline moiety of ADR is able to abolish blocking effect of ethidium bromide and verapamil, but does not influence the blocking effect of trifluoroperazine. We further show that ADR complexes with Fe2+, Cu2+ and Co2+ are potent inhibitors of Ca(2+)-dependent K+ efflux, induced by propranolol, but not of Pb(2+)-dependent K+ efflux. On the contrary, ADR-Fe3+ complex activates K(+)-permeability of human red blood cell. It is suggested that opposite effects of anthracycline moiety of ADR and ADR complexes with transitional metals on Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels, induced by propranolol is due to their influence on the pathways of Ca2+ transport into cells, rather than their action directly on K+ channels.

Metal ion-induced permeability changes in cell membranes: a minireview

1. The paper summarizes the effects of the metal ions Cu2+, Pb2+, Ag+, Hg2+, Zn2+, and Cd2+ applied externally or internally to the surface membrane of different excitable cells. 2. Conductance changes induced by metal ions, and metal ion-activated current, are compared with respect to their ion and voltage dependence. 3. It is suggested that metal ion-induced effects can be realized through special structures of the cell membrane, the metal ion "receptors," although other mechanisms, as, for example, competition for Ca-binding sites in the channel forming proteins, cannot be excluded.

Differential effects of heavy metal ions on Ca(2+)-dependent K+ channels

1. The ability of various divalent metal ions to substitute for Ca2+ in activating distinct types of Ca(2+)-dependent K+ [K+(Ca2+)] channels has been investigated in excised, inside-out membrane patches of human erthrocytes and of clonal N1E-115 mouse neuroblastoma cells using the patch clamp technique. The effects of the various metal ions have been compared and related to the effects of Ca2+. 2. At concentrations between 1 and 100 microM Pb2+, Cd2+ and Co2+ activate intermediate conductance K+(Ca2+) channels in erythrocytes and large conductance K+(Ca2+) channels in neuroblastoma cells. Pb2+ and Co2+, but not Cd2+, activate small conductance K+(Ca2+) channels in neuroblastoma cells. Mg2+ and Fe2+ do not activate any of the K+(Ca2+) channels. 3. Rank orders of the potencies for K+(Ca2+) activation are Pb2+, Cd2+ > Ca2+, Co2+ >> Mg2+, Fe2+ for the intermediate erythrocyte K+(Ca2+) channel, and Pb2+, Cd2+ > Ca2+ > Co2+ >> Mg2+, Fe2+ for the small, and Pb2+ > Ca2+ > Co2+ >> Cd2+, Mg2+, Fe2+ for the large K+(Ca2+) channel in neuroblastoma cells. 4. At high concentrations Pb2+, Cd2+, and Co2+ block K+(Ca2+) channels in erythrocytes by reducing the opening frequency of the channels and by reducing the single channel amplitude. The potency orders of the two blocking effects are Pb2+ > Cd2+, Co2+ >> Ca2+, and Cd2+ > Pb2+, Co2+ >> Ca2+, respectively, and are distinct from the potency orders for activation. 5. It is concluded that the different subtypes of K+(Ca2+) channels contain distinct regulatory sites involved in metal ion binding and channel opening. The K+(Ca2+) channel in erythrocytes appears to contain additional metal ion interaction sites involved in channel block.

Divalent cations activate small- (SK) and large-conductance (BK) channels in mouse neuroblastoma cells: selective activation of SK channels by cadmium

Effects of Cd2+, Co2+, Fe2+ and Mg2+ (1 microM and 100 microM) and Pb2+ (1 microM and 90 microM) on single-channel properties of the small-conductance (SK) and large-conductance (BK) Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels were investigated in inside-out patches of N1E-115 mouse neuroblastoma cells. Cd2+, Co2+ and Pb2+, but not Fe2+ and Mg2+, cause SK channel opening. The potency of the metals in enhancing the SK channel-open probability follows the sequence Cd2+ approximately Pb2+ > Ca2+ > Co2+ >> Mg2+, Fe2+. The four metals that cause SK channel opening are equipotent in enhancing the opening frequency of SK channels. The BK channel is activated by Pb2+ and Co2+, whereas Cd2+, Fe2+ and Mg2+ are ineffective. The potency of the metals in enhancing BK channel-open probability, open time and opening frequency follows the sequence Pb2+ > Ca2+ > Co2+ >> Cd2+, Mg2+, Fe2+. The results show that SK channels are much more sensitive to Cd2+ than BK channels and indicate that Cd2+ is a selective agonist of SK channels. It is concluded that the various metal ions bind to the same regulatory site(s) at which Ca2+ activates the SK and BK channels under physiological conditions. The different potency sequences of metal ions with respect to BK and SK channel activation indicate that the regulatory sites of these Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels have distinct chemical and physical properties.

Single Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in human erythrocytes: Ca2+ dependence of opening frequency but not of open lifetimes

Using the patch-clamp technique single-channel properties of Ca(2+)-activated K+ (CaK) channels were investigated in inside-out membrane patches of human erythrocytes. In a physiological K+ gradient (5 mM K+ externally: 150 mM K+ internally) the single CaK channel conductance is 15 pS in the membrane potential range of -40 to +40 mV. The channel open probability, opening frequency and open and closed time distributions are voltage-independent. The open probability and the opening frequency of the CaK channel depend on [Ca2+]i and increase between 0.5 and 60 microM Ca2+ from approx. 10% to 90% of the maximum value obtained at 115 microM. The relation between open probability and [Ca2+]i can be described by a sigmoid concentration-effect curve with an EC50 of 4.7 microM and a slope factor of 1. Independent of [Ca2+]i open time distributions yield two time constants of 5.3 and 22 ms. The relative amplitudes of the fast and slow components of the open time histogram as well as the maximum open probability and the maximum opening frequency of CaK channels vary considerably. In addition, CaK channels in multiple channel patches are highly interdependent. It is concluded that the Ca(2+)-dependence of CaK channels in human erythrocytes is due to the modulation of opening frequency by internal Ca2+. The results are consistent with a classical receptor-agonist model in which ligand interaction kinetics are much faster than channel gating.

Distinct metal ion binding sites on Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in inside-out patches of human erythrocytes

Effects of Cd2+, Co2+, Pb2+, Fe2+ and Mg2+ (1-100 microM) on single-channel properties of the intermediate conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ (CaK) channels were investigated in inside-out patches of human erythrocytes in a physiological K+ gradient. Cd2+, Co2+ and Pb2+, but not Fe2+ and Mg2+, were able to induce CaK channel openings. The potency of the metals to open CaK channels in human erythrocytes follows the sequence Pb2+, Cd2+ > Ca2+ > or = Co2+ >> Mg2+, Fe2+. At higher concentrations Pb2+, Cd2+ and Co2+ block the CaK channel by reducing the opening frequency and the single-channel current amplitude. The potency of the metals to reduce CaK channel opening frequency follows the sequence Pb2+ > Cd2+, Co2+ >> Ca2+, which differs from the potency sequence Cd2+ > Pb2+, Co2+ >> Ca2+ to reduce the unitary single-channel current amplitude. Fe2+ reduced the channel opening frequency and enhanced the two open times of CaK channels activated by Ca2+, whereas up to 100 microM Mg2+ had no effect on any of the measured single-channel parameters. It is concluded that the activation of CaK channels of human erythrocytes by various metal ions occurs through an interaction with the same regulatory site at which Ca2+ activates these channels. The different potency orders for the activating and blocking effects suggest the presence of at least one activation and two blocking sites. A modulatory binding site for Fe2+ exists as well. In addition, the CaK channels in human erythrocytes are distinct from other subtypes of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels in their sensitivity to the metal ions.

Activation of red cell Ca2(+)-activated K+ channel by Ca2+ involves a temperature-dependent step

We found that vanadate-induced 45Ca2+ uptake by red cells is maximal at 25 degrees C. At this temperature, the Cai-induced increase of the K+ permeability (the Gárdos effect) shows a lag (up to 8 min) which is not observed at 37 degrees C. This cannot be explained by the lack of availability of Ca2+ for the Ca2(+)-activated K+ channel, and suggests that its activation by Ca2+ is mediated by a temperature-dependent mechanism which remains unknown so far. The lag is not observed when the Gárdos effect was initiated by propranolol. This shows that the putative temperature-dependent step is different from chloride transport.

Novel type of ion channel activated by Pb2+, Cd2+, and Al3+ in cultured mouse neuroblastoma cells

Superfusion with Pb2+ induces a slow, noninactivating and reversible inward current in voltage-clamped N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells. The amplitude of this inward current increases in the range of 1-200 microM Pb/+. Single-channel patch-clamp experiments have revealed that this inward current is mediated by discrete ion channels. Reversal potentials from linear I-V relationships are close to 0 mV for whole-cell and single-channel currents and the single-channel conductance amounts to 24 pS. The Pb2(+)-induced membrane current is not mediated by various known types of ion channels, since it is not blocked by external tetrodotoxin, tetraethylammonium, D-tubocurarine, atropine, ICS 205-930 and by internal EGTA. In Na(+)-free solutions superfusion with Pb2+ neither evokes a whole-cell inward current, nor single-channel openings. At -80 mV the open-time distribution of the single channels activated by 1 microM Pb2+ is dual exponential with time constants of 17 and 194 msec. When the Pb2+ concentration is increased from 1 to 20 microM these time constants decrease to 2 and 13 msec, but the amplitude of single-channel currents remains -1.9 nA. Cd2+ and Al3+ induce inward currents and single-channel openings similar to Pb2+. Time constants fitted to the open-time distribution of single channels are 14 and 135 msec in the presence of 1 microM Cd2+ and 15 and 99 msec in the presence of 50 microM Al3+. Conversely, Cu2+ induces an irreversible inward current in neuroblastoma cells. Single-channel openings are undetected in the presence of Cu2+ and in Na(+)-free solutions Cu2+ is still able to induce an inward current. It is concluded that Pb2+, Cd2+ and possibly Al3+ activate a novel type of metal ion-activated (MIA) channel in N1E-115 cells.

Modulation of the Ca2+- or Pb2+-activated K+-selective channels in human red cells. I. Effects of propranolol

To study the effect of propranolol on the Ca2+- or Pb2+-activated K+ permeability in human erythrocytes, K+ effluxes were compared with single-channel currents. The results demonstrate that propranolol has a twofold effect: (1) it renders the channel protein more sensitive to Ca2+ or Pb2+; and (2) it simultaneously inhibits channel activity and slightly reduces single-channel conductance. The number of active channels is not affected.

Modulation of the Ca2+- or Pb2+-activated K+-selective channels in human red cells. II. Parallelisms to modulation of the activity of a membrane-bound oxidoreductase

Modulation of Ca2+-activable K+ permeability was compared with modulation of a membrane-bound oxidoreductase activity in human erythrocytes. Changes in the K+ permeability were monitored by flux measurements and single-channel recordings. The enzyme activity was detected by measuring reduction of ferricyanide. Pb2+, Atebrin and menadione had parallel effects on the channel protein and the enzyme. In contrast, propranolol stimulates K+ permeability, but is without effect on enzyme activity. The results demonstrate that the K+ channel and the enzyme are distinct membrane proteins but that the enzyme activity may influence channel gating.

All or none cell responses of Ca2+-dependent K channels elicited by calcium or lead in human red cells can be explained by heterogeneity of agonist distribution

We have studied the all or none cell response of Ca2+-dependent K+ channels to added Ca in human red cells depleted of ATP by incubation with iodoacetate and inosine. A procedure was used which allows separation and differential analysis of responding and nonresponding cells. Responding (H for heavy) cells incubated in medium containing 5 mM K lose KCl and water and increase their density to the point of sinking on diethylphthalate (specific gravity = 1.12) on centrifugation. Nonresponding (L for light) cells do not lose KCl at all. There is no intermediate behavior. Increasing the Ca concentration in the medium increases the fraction of cells which become H. No differences in the sensitivity to Ca2+ of the individual K+ channels were detected in inside-out vesicles prepared either from H or from L cells. The Ca content of H cells was higher than that of L cells. Cells depleted of ATP by incubation with iodoacetate and inosine sustain pump-leak Ca fluxes of about 15 mumol/liter cells per hour. ATP seems to be resynthesized in these cells at the expense of cell 2,3-diphosphoglycerate stores at a rate of about 150 mumol/liter cells per hour. Inhibition of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate phosphatase by tetrathionate increased 6-8 times the measured rate of uptake of external 45Ca. This was accompanied by an increase in the fraction of H cells. All or none cell responses of Ca2+-dependent K channels have also been evidenced in intact human red cells on addition of Pb. They have the same characteristics as those in responding and nonresponding cells. The detailed study of the kinetics of Pb-induced shrinkage of red cells suspended in medium containing 5 mM K showed that changes of Pb concentration changed not only the fraction of H cells but also the rate of shrinkage of responding cells. H cells generated by Pb treatment contained significantly more lead than L cells. The above results suggest that the two all or none cell responses studied here can be explained by heterogeneity of agonist distribution among cells. Since pump-leak fluxes exist in both cases, differences of agonist distribution could be generated by heterogeneity of pumping among cells. This interpretation turns interest from K channels to Ca pumps to explain the heterogeneous behavior of red cells in response to a uniform stimulus.

Effects of intracellular Ca2+ and proteolytic digestion of the membrane skeleton on the mechanical properties of the red blood cell membrane

Intracellular Ca2+ at concentrations ranging from 0 to 10 mumol/l increases the shear modulus of surface elasticity (mu) and the surface viscosity (eta) of human red blood cells by 20% and 70%, respectively. K+ selective channels in the red cell membrane become activated by Ca2+. The activation still occurs to the same extent when the membrane skeleton is degraded by incorporation of trypsin into resealed red cell ghosts, suggesting that the channel activation is not controlled by the proteins of the membrane skeleton and is independent of mu and eta. Incorporation of trypsin at concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 ng/ml into red cell ghosts leads to a graded digestion of spectrin, a cleavage of the band 3 protein and a release of the binding proteins ankyrin and band 4.1. These alterations are accompanied by an increase of the lateral mobility of the band 3 protein which, at 40 ng/ml trypsin, reaches a plateau value where the rate of lateral diffusion is enhanced by about two orders of magnitude above the rate measured in controls without trypsin. Proteolytic digestion by 10-20 ng/ml trypsin leads to a degradation of more than 40% of the spectrin and increases the rate of lateral diffusion to about 20-70% of the value observed at the plateau. Nevertheless, mu and eta remain virtually unaltered. However, the stability of the membrane is decreased to the point where a slight mechanical extension, or the shear produced by centrifugation results in disintegration and vesiculation, precluding measurements of eta and mu in ghosts treated with higher concentrations of trypsin. These findings indicate that alterations of the structural integrity of the membrane skeleton exert drastically different effects on mu and eta on the one hand and on the stability of the membrane on the other.

Action of di- and tri-valent cations on calcium-activated K+-efflux in rat erythrocytes

Isolated rat erythrocytes were labelled with [86Rb] as a tracer for intracellular K+. It was demonstrated that rat erythrocytes possess a Ca2+-mediated K+-efflux mechanism similar to that reported for human erythrocytes. This model was used to investigate the interactions of di- and tri-valent cations on potassium [86Rb] permeability in intact cells. Low concentrations of Ag2+ and Hg2+ haemolysed erythrocytes and Pb2+ produced a selective increase in [86Rb] efflux which became self-inhibitory at concentrations above 100 microM. The effects of Pb2+ were potentiated by A23187. Ni2+, Cu2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, Mn2+, Y2+ and Ba2+ did not initiate [86Rb] efflux, even in the presence of 0.5 microM A23187 and at concentrations as high as 1 mM. All of these cations, except Ba2+, were potent inhibitors of [86Rb] efflux evoked by 50 microM Ca2+ + 0.5 microM A23187. The lanthanides Tb3+, Gd3+, Eu3+, Sm3+ and La3+ increased [86Rb] efflux at low concentrations in the presence of A23187, but were self inhibitory at higher concentrations. They also inhibited Ca2+-mediated [86Rb]-efflux. It is concluded that the effectiveness of a cation in activating [86Rb] efflux is, in part, related to its non-hydrated crystalline ionic radius, and that the site of activation may only accommodate ionic radii between 0.95 and 1.00 A.

Inhibition of Ca2+-dependent K+ channels by lead in one-step inside-out vesicles from human red cell membranes

Pb2+ modified the apparent threshold sensitivity to Ca2+ of individual K+ channels with a biphasic time-course. At first, the sensitivity to Ca2+ was lowered with the result of a decrease of the fraction of activated vesicles at a given Ca2+ concentration. Later, Pb2+ increased the sensitivity to Ca2+ and the fraction of activated vesicles. The increase of Pb2+ concentration increased the extent of the initial inhibition but decreased its duration. The inhibitory effect was not observed when the addition of Ca2+ preceded the addition of Pb2+. The presence of Mg2+ in the incubation medium was also required. In the absence of Mg2+, Pb2+ decreased the rate of uptake of 86Rb, but no decrease in the fraction of activated vesicles could be demonstrated.

Effects of vanadate, menadione and menadione analogs on the Ca2+-activated K+ channels in human red cells. Possible relations to membrane-bound oxidoreductase activity

The modulation of the Ca2+- (or Pb2+-)activated K+ permeability in human erythrocytes by vanadate, menadione and chloro-substituted menadione analogs was investigated by measurements of K+ fluxes and single-channel currents. Vanadate and menadione stimulate the K+ permeability by increasing the probability of channel openings; the menadione analogs, on the other hand, inhibit the K+ permeability by increasing the probability of channel closings. The compounds used in these experiments also interact with oxidoreductases; it is demonstrated that menadione analogs in contrast to menadione strongly inhibit the membrane-bound dehydrogenase in the erythrocytes. Concentrations of Pb2+ above 10 mumol/l, but not of Ca2+, inhibit the enzyme activity as well as the K+ permeability. The parallel effects on dehydrogenase activity and the K+ channels suggest a direct relationship between these two systems in the membrane of erythrocytes.