Effects of KC 3791 on sodium and potassium channels in frog node of Ranvier

Effects of a new antiarrhytmic compound KC 3791 on sodium (INa) and potassium (IK) currents were studied in frog myelinated nerve fibres under voltage clamp conditions. When applied externally to the node of Ranvier, KC 3791 (KC) at concentrations of 10(-5)-10(-4) mol.l-1 produced both tonic and cumulative (use-dependent) inhibition of INa. An analysis of the frequency-, voltage- and time dependence of cumulative block by KC suggested that this block resulted from a voltage-dependent interaction of the drug with open Na channels. The progressive decrease in INa during repetitive pulsing was due to accumulation of Na channels in the resting-blocked state: closing of the activation gate after the end of each depolarizing pulse stabilized the KC-"receptor" complex. To unblock these channels a prolonged washing of the node had to be combined with a subsequent repetitive stimulation of the membrane; this suggested that channel could not become cleared of the blocker unless the activation gate has opened. KC also proved to be capable of blocking open K channels at outwardly directed potassium currents (IK). This block increased during membrane depolarization. Unblocking of K channels after the end of a depolarizing pulse proceeded much faster than unblocking of Na channels under identical conditions. Cumulative inhibition of outward IK during high-frequency membrane stimulation was therefore readily reversible upon a decrease in pulsing frequency.