Effect of H+ on ATP-regulated K+ channels in feline ventricular myocytes

Using patch-clamp techniques, we examined the effects of pH on properties of ATP-regulated K+ channels in single myocytes isolated from cat left ventricles. ATP-K+ channels of inside-out patches were bilaterally exposed to 140 mM K+ solutions (22 degrees C). In the absence of ATP and Mg2+, the channels had a linear current-voltage relationship during hyperpolarizing pulses (20-100 mV negative to the reversal potential) at both intracellular pH (pHi) 7.4 and 6.5, but the slope conductance was 66 +/- 2 pS at pHi 7.4 and 46 +/- 2 pS at pHi 6.5. Lowering pHi from 7.4 to 6.5 increased the mean open time (from 15.9 +/- 4.6 to 35.9 +/- 7.9 ms, P less than 0.01) but decreased the open-state probability measured at 50 mV positive to the reversal potential (from 0.35 +/- 0.04 to 0.16 +/- 0.04, P less than 0.01). However, in the presence of both 0.2 mM ATP and 1 mM MgCl2, lowering pHi from 7.4 to 6.5 increased the mean open time (from 5.0 +/- 2.6 to 17.9 +/- 5.9 ms, P less than 0.01) and the open-state probability (from 0.025 +/- 0.010 to 0.098 +/- 0.024, P less than 0.01). These data indicate that increases in intracellular H+ concentration modulate cardiac ATP-K+ channel properties. Ischemia-associated decreases in pHi may enhance the opening of cardiac ATP-regulated K+ channels and resultant action potential shortening.