Title: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors pravastatin, lovastatin and simvastatin suppress delayed rectifier K(+)-channel currents in murine thymocytes.

Authors: Itsuro Kazama, Asuka Baba, Yoshio Maruyama

Journal, date & volume: Pharmacol Rep, 2014 Aug , 66, 712-7

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24948077

Abstract
Since lymphocytes predominantly express delayed rectifier K(+)-channels (Kv1.3) that trigger lymphocyte activation, statins, which exert immunosuppressive effects, would affect the channel currents.Employing the patch-clamp technique in murine thymocytes, we examined the effects of statins on Kv1.3-channel currents and the membrane capacitance (Cm).Pravastatin significantly suppressed the pulse-end currents of the channels. Lovastatin and simvastatin also suppressed the peak currents, significantly decreasing the Cm.This study demonstrated for the first time that statins inhibit thymocyte Kv1.3-channels. The slow inactivation patterns induced by lovastatin and simvastatin may be associated with their accumulation in the plasma membranes.