Stable expression of the neuronal BI (class A) calcium channel in baby hamster kidney cells

Plasmids containing the BI (alpha 1) cDNA with the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene, skeletal muscle alpha 2-subunit cDNA with the neo marker gene, and beta-subunit cDNA were co-transfected into baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells. BHK cells lack endogenous calcium channel activity. Twenty percent of the methotrexate (MTX) and G418 resistant clones were found to express calcium channel activity using the patch-clamp technique. A single clone, BHKBI147, demonstrated stable electrophysiological characteristics over 20 passages. Ca2+ currents of the BI channel in BHKBI147 cells were largely blocked by a specific P-type blocker, omega-AgaIVA, with an IC50 of 150 nM. Unlike the BI channel, Ca2+ currents of cardiac L-type channels expressed in BHK cells were completely blocked by the L-type antagonist, nifedipine, with an IC50 of 56 nM.