Nitric oxide activates ATP-dependent K+ channels in human eosinophils

Nitric oxide (NO) affects the function of ion channels in many cell types, but its role in the regulation of eosinophil ion channels is unknown. In this study, we used the perforated patch-clamp method to investigate the effect of endogenous and exogenous NO on eosinophil ion channels. Using the NO synthase inhibitor, N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, we showed that endogenous NO did not affect the whole-cell current in eosinophil. However, two NO donors, S-nitroso-glutathione and S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine, activated whole-cell currents via a NO/cGMP-dependent pathway. Ion substitution and pharmacological studies showed that NO-activated currents were carried by K+ ions, likely through ATP-dependent K+ channels (K(ATP)). Although RT-PCR studies showed the expression of several classes of K+ channels in human eosinophils, NO donors affected only K(ATP) channel function. We conclude that NO, at concentrations likely to be encountered in vivo, could prevent eosinophil activation by opening K(ATP) channels.