Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kv11.1 , Slo1

Title: Long-term modulation of HERG channel gating in hypoxia.

Authors: L Fontana, M D'Amico, O Crociani, T Biagiotti, M Solazzo, B Rosati, A Arcangeli, E Wanke, M Olivotto

Journal, date & volume: Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 2001 Sep 7 , 286, 857-62

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11527377

Abstract
Using the patch-clamp technique, we analysed changes in the biophysical properties of HERG potassium channels in neuroblastoma cells long-term exposed to hypoxia. In this condition, HERG channels underwent a profound modulation that consisted of: (i) a slowing in open-close kinetics; (ii) a marked hyperpolarizing shift in voltage dependence of steady-state activation; and (iii) a slowing of the inactivation removal. The overall physiological impact of these changes in neuroblastoma cells is an increase in the HERG window current in the range of the resting potential (V(REST)), which varied between -40 and -30 mV. Such a current modulation is suitable to stabilise the resting potential (V(REST)) in hypoxic environments.