Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kv10.1

Title: Modulation of ionic currents in isolated type I cells of the neonatal rat carotid body by p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonic acid.

Authors: C N Wyatt, C Peers

Journal, date & volume: Brain Res., 1992 Sep 25 , 591, 341-4

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1332806

Abstract
The sulphydryl reagent, p-chloromercuribenzenesulfonic acid (PCMBS), irreversibly excites the carotid body in vivo. We tested the effects of PCMBS on ionic currents in isolated type I cells, using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. PCMBS selectively and irreversibly inhibited the Ca(2+)-activated K+ current (IKCa) in a dose-dependent manner (0.01-1 mM). The same concentrations of PCMBS did not affect the Ca(2+)-independent K+ current (IKv), but caused a transient enhancement of the Ca2+ current (ICa). The inhibition of IKCa by PCMBS is similar to the previously reported effects of hypoxia, and suggests a central role for the channels underlying this current in chemotransduction.