Adenosine potentiates the delayed-rectifier potassium conductance but has no effect on the
Abstract:
The effects of adenosine on the voltage-sensitive delayed-rectifier K+ (IK) currents and hyperpolarization-activated cationic inward current (Ih) were studied in cultured frog melanotrophs using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. The A1 receptor agonist R-N6-phenylisopropyl-adenosine (R-PIA; 50 microM) reversibly increased IK. Perfusion of dibutyryl-cAMP (1 mM) in the external solution did not modify the R-PIA-induced enhancement of IK. Pretreatment of melanotrophs with pertussis toxin (1 microg/ml; 12 h) totally abolished the R-PIA-evoked response. Application of hyperpolarizing voltage pulses from -60 to -120 mV to melanotrophs induced a two-component inward current corresponding to an Ih-like conductance. This conductance was characterized by a high K+ selectivity and a low Na+ permeability and was resistant to tetrodotoxin (1 microM). R-PIA had no effect on Ih. The present study demonstrates that in frog melanotrophs adenosine inhibits the electrical activity by activating IK through an A1 receptor subtype coupled to a pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway independent of the cAMP/PKA system. This study also demonstrates the existence of a Ih conductance in frog melanotrophs which is not modulated by A1 receptors.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
The Resting Membrane Potential
G-Protein Gated Ion Channels
Sensory organs,...
Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype
Isoprenaline > Adrenaline > Noradrenaline
Neurotransmitter binding to these receptors causes activation of adenylyl cyclase resulting in increased concentrations of cAMP and modulation of calcium ion channels within the cell. They are further classified into β1, β2, and β3 subtypes.
β1-adrenoceptors: β1-adrenoceptors have equal affinities for...
Action Potential: Phases of Stimulation
Resting Phase:
In this phase, the cell's membrane is at its resting potential, typically around -70 millivolts (mV) for neurons. Inside the cell, there is a higher concentration of potassium ions (K+) and a lower concentration of sodium ions (Na+). Voltage-gated sodium channels are closed, and...
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class I Agents as Sodium Channel Blockers
Class 1A Antiarrhythmic Drugs: These drugs work by moderately blocking sodium channels,...
Antiarrhythmic Drugs: Class III Agents as Potassium Channel Blockers


