Related Experiment Videos
Stretch-activated ion channels in cultured mesangial cells
W Craelius1, N el-Sherif, C E Palant
1Department of Medicine, Veterans' Administration Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11209.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|March 15, 1989
Summary
Membrane stretch activates ion channels in cultured mesangial cells. These stretch-activated channels, permeable to sodium, potassium, and chloride, may function as a cellular mechano-reflex.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Mesangial cells play a crucial role in kidney function.
- Understanding cellular responses to mechanical stimuli is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of membrane stretch on cultured mesangial cells.
- To characterize the properties of stretch-activated ion channels in these cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cell-attached patch-clamp electrophysiology.
- Applied negative pressures to induce membrane stretch.
- Measured single-channel ionic currents.
Main Results:
- Membrane stretch activated single-channel ionic currents.
- Channel opening probability correlated with the degree of suction (5-10 mm Hg threshold).
- Channels exhibited permeability to Na+, K+, and Cl- with conductances of 62 ± 17 pS.
Conclusions:
- Identified stretch-activated ion channels in cultured mesangial cells.
- These channels may mediate a cellular mechano-reflex response.
- Findings contribute to understanding mechanotransduction in kidney cells.