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Published on: December 27, 2016
Effect of malnutrition on K+ current in T lymphocytes
Rafael Godínez Fernández1, Joaquín Azpiroz Leehan, Reyna Fierro Pastrana
1Depto. Ingeniería Eléctrica, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana. Unidad Iztapalapa, Av. San Rafael Atlixco No. 186, Col. Vicentina Iztapalapa, C. P. 09340, México, D. F. Mexico. gfjr@xanum.uam.mx
Abstract:
Severe malnutrition in children is frequently associated with infectious diseases. Animal models have been useful for studying the effects of malnutrition. One of the immunosuppressive mechanisms of malnutrition is inhibition of the activation of T lymphocytes. The voltage-dependent K(V) potassium channels are vital for the activation of T lymphocytes. The blockade of K(V) channels inhibits the activation of T lymphocytes. Malnutrition could affect the suitable synthesis of K(V) channels in T lymphocytes, producing changes in the magnitude and/or dependency of the voltage of the K+ current. We reported a significant decrease in the K+ current and activation to a 20 mV more positive membrane potential in T lymphocytes of rats with severe malnutrition. These results indicate that the diminution in the K+ conductance by alteration of K(V) channels in severe malnutrition is one of the mechanisms that inhibit the activation of T lymphocytes.
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