[Optimization of method for detecting the activation of potassium channels in rat cardiac muscle cells]

To detect the phosphorylation of potassium channel protein (Kv1.2 and Kv1.5) in rat cardiac muscle cells accurately, we applied the combined method of immunoprecipitation and Western blot in this study. Compared with using Western blot alone, the combination of immunoprecipitation and Western blot displayed high sensitivity to detect the activation of potassium channel proteins. Because of its simplicity, quickness and reproducibility, we find that this method was promising for detecting the phosphorylation of Kv1.2 and Kv1.5 proteins or other potassium channel proteins in rat cardiac muscle cells.