Electric field-induced functional reductions in the K+ channels mainly resulted from supramembrane potential-mediated electroconformational changes

Biophysical Journal
W ChenD Astumian

Abstract

The goal of this study is to distinguish the supramembrane potential difference-induced electroconformational changes from the huge transmembrane current-induced thermal damages in the delayed rectifier K+ channels. A double Vaseline-gap voltage clamp was used to deliver shock pulses and to monitor the channel currents. Three pairs of 4-ms shock pulses were used to mimic the electric shock by a power-line frequency electric field. Each pair consists of two pulses with the same magnitude, starting from 350 to 500 mV, but with opposite polarities. The shock pulse-generated transmembrane ion flux and the responding electric energy, the Joule heating, consumed in the cell membrane, as well as the effects on the K+ channel currents, were obtained. Results showed that huge transmembrane currents are not necessary to cause damages in the K+ channel proteins. In contrast, reductions in the K+ channel currents are directly related to the field-induced supramembrane potential differences. By a comparison with the shock field-induced Joule heating effects on cell membranes, the field-induced supramembrane potential difference plays a dominant role in damaging the K+ channels, resulting in electroconformational changes in the membrane prot...Continue Reading

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Citations

Oct 3, 2003·Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·P Thomas VernierMartin A Gundersen
Jun 30, 2007·BMC Molecular Biology·Pernille HojmanJulie Gehl
May 30, 2008·Burns : Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries·Robin Dando, Wei Chen
Sep 27, 2006·Burns : Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries·Wei Chen, Wen-hui Wu
Nov 10, 2001·Annual Review of Biomedical Engineering·R C LeeJ Hannig
Jun 11, 2004·Biophysical Journal·P Thomas VernierMartin A Gundersen
May 10, 2017·The Journal of Membrane Biology·Esin B SözerP Thomas Vernier
Mar 15, 2006·Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences·Raphael C Lee
Mar 15, 2006·Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences·Wei Chen
Oct 10, 2006·Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics·Zlatko VasilkoskiJames C Weaver
Feb 21, 2019·Annual Review of Biophysics·Tadej KotnikDamijan Miklavčič
Jul 28, 2018·Chemical Reviews·Martin P StewartKlavs F Jensen
Oct 24, 2020·Biophysical Journal·Esin B SözerJoshua Zimmerberg

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