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Updated: Mar 28, 2026
Immunohistochemical and Calcium Imaging Methods in Wholemount Rat Retina
Published on: October 13, 2014
Extraction (DSX) from Erigeron breviscapus modulates outward potassium currents in rat retinal ganglion cells
Shuo Yin1, Zhong-Feng Wang2, Jun-Guo Duan1
1Key Laboratory for Visual Function and Ophthalmopathy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610032, Sichuan Province, China.
Aim:
To investigate the effect of DSX, an active component extracted from Erigeron breviscapus, on the voltage-gated outward K(+) channel currents in rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) by using electrophysiological method, and to explore the possible mechanisms of DSX on optic nerve protection.
Methods:
Outward K(+) currents were recorded by using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques on acutely isolated rat RGCs. Outward K(+) currents were induced by a series of depolarizing voltage pulses from a holding potential of -70 mV to +20 mV in an increment of 10 mV.
Results:
Extracellular application of DSX voltage-dependently suppressed both the steady-state and peak current amplitudes of outward K(+) currents in rat RGCs. Furthermore, DSX reversibly and dose-dependently inhibited the amplitudes of outward K(+) currents of the cells. At +20 mV membrane potential DSX at the concentrations of 0.02 g/L and 0.05 g/L showed no significant effects on the currents. In contrast, DSX at higher concentrations (0.1 g/L, 0.2 g/L and 0.5 g/L) significantly suppressed the current amplitudes.
Conclusion:
These results suggest that DSX reversibly and dose-dependently suppress outward K(+) channel currents in rat RGCs, which may be one of the possible mechanisms underlying Erigeron breviscapus prevents vision loss and RGC damage caused by glaucoma.
