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Inward-rectifying potassium channels in rat hepatocytes.

R M Henderson¹, J Graf, J L Boyer

¹Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06510.

The American Journal of Physiology

|June 1, 1989

Summary

Patch-clamp studies reveal inward rectifying potassium channels in rat hepatocytes, suggesting functional cell heterogeneity. These channels, distinct from previously identified ones, share similarities with those in renal cells.

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Area of Science:

Cellular electrophysiology
Ion channel biophysics

Background:

Hepatocytes possess various ion channels influencing cellular function.
Understanding these channels is crucial for liver physiology and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate single-channel and whole-cell conductances in rat hepatocytes using the patch-clamp technique.
To characterize the properties of identified ion channels, including selectivity and voltage dependence.

Main Methods:

Patch-clamp technique (whole-cell and cell-attached configurations).
Electrophysiological recordings in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes.
High intracellular and extracellular potassium concentrations (144 mM).

Main Results:

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Whole-cell experiments showed variable current-voltage relationships, suggesting cell heterogeneity (mean conductance 2.7 nS).

Inward rectification was a common finding in whole-cell and single-channel recordings.

Single channels exhibited strong inward rectification, K+ selectivity, and mean conductances of 44 pS (inward) and 23 pS (outward).

Channel open probability was independent of voltage and calcium.

Conclusions:

Rat hepatocytes possess unique inward rectifying potassium channels.
These channels differ from previously described hepatocyte channels but resemble those in renal epithelial cells.
Functional heterogeneity among hepatocytes is suggested by variations in current-voltage relationships.