[HTML][HTML] Nickel block of three cloned T-type calcium channels: low concentrations selectively block α1H

JH Lee, JC Gomora, LL Cribbs, E Perez-Reyes - Biophysical journal, 1999 - cell.com
JH Lee, JC Gomora, LL Cribbs, E Perez-Reyes
Biophysical journal, 1999cell.com
Nickel has been proposed to be a selective blocker of low-voltage-activated, T-type calcium
channels. However, studies on cloned high-voltage-activated Ca 2+ channels indicated that
some subtypes, such as α1E, are also blocked by low micromolar concentrations of NiCl 2.
There are considerable differences in the sensitivity to Ni 2+ among native T-type currents,
leading to the hypothesis that there may be more than one T-type channel. We confirmed
part of this hypothesis by cloning three novel Ca 2+ channels, α1G, H, and I, whose currents …
Abstract
Nickel has been proposed to be a selective blocker of low-voltage-activated, T-type calcium channels. However, studies on cloned high-voltage-activated Ca2+ channels indicated that some subtypes, such as α1E, are also blocked by low micromolar concentrations of NiCl2. There are considerable differences in the sensitivity to Ni2+ among native T-type currents, leading to the hypothesis that there may be more than one T-type channel. We confirmed part of this hypothesis by cloning three novel Ca2+ channels, α1G, H, and I, whose currents are nearly identical to the biophysical properties of native T-type channels. In this study we examined the nickel block of these cloned T-type channels expressed in both Xenopus oocytes and HEK-293 cells (10mM Ba2+). Only α1H currents were sensitive to low micromolar concentrations (IC50=13μM). Much higher concentrations were required to half-block α1I (216μM) and α1G currents (250μM). Nickel block varied with the test potential, with less block at potentials above −30mV. Outward currents through the T channels were blocked even less. We show that depolarizations can unblock the channel and that this can occur in the absence of permeating ions. We conclude that Ni2+ is only a selective blocker of α1H currents and that the concentrations required to block α1G and α1I will also affect high-voltage-activated calcium currents.
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