Sodium-activated Potassium Current in Guinea pig Gastric Myocytes

This study was designed to identify and characterize Na(+)-activated K(+) current (I(K(Na))) in guinea pig gastric myocytes under whole-cell patch clamp. After whole-cell configuration was established under 110 mM intracellular Na(+) concentration ([Na(+)](i)) at holding potential of -60 mV, a large inward current was produced by external 60 mM K(+) ([K(+)](o)). This inward current was not affected by removal of external Ca(2+). K(+) channel blockers had little effects on the current (p>0.05). Only TEA (5 mM) inhibited steady-state current to 68±2.7% of the control (p<0.05). In the presence of K(+) channel blocker cocktail (mixture of Ba(2+), glibenclamide, 4-AP, apamin, quinidine and TEA), a large inward current was activated. However, the amplitude of the steadystate current produced under [K(+)](o) (140 mM) was significantly smaller when Na(+) in pipette solution was replaced with K(+)- and Li(+) in the presence of K(+) channel blocker cocktail than under 110 mM [Na(+)](i). In the presence of K(+) channel blocker cocktail under low Cl(-) pipette solution, this current was still activated and seemed K(+)-selective, since reversal potentials (E(rev)) of various concentrations of [K(+)](o)-induced current in current/voltage (I/V) relationship were nearly identical to expected values. R-56865 (10-20 µM), a blocker of I(K(Na)), completely and reversibly inhibited this current. The characteristics of the current coincide with those of I(K(Na)) of other cells. Our results indicate the presence of I(K(Na)) in guinea pig gastric myocytes.