Two voltage gated potassium currents on embryonic xenopus skeletal muscle cells growing in culture

Gilbert, Robert William (1990) Two voltage gated potassium currents on embryonic xenopus skeletal muscle cells growing in culture. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (14MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

At least 4 classes of voltage activated potassium currents have been identified on adult frog muscle using macroscopic voltage clamp techniques. This thesis deals with the identification and characterization of two potassium conductances present in the plasma membrane of embryonic Xenopus muscle cells growing in 24 hour old cultures. The tight seal whole cell recording technique was used in this study. One of the currents identified was a hyperpolarization gated inward potassium current thought to be mediated through anomalous rectifying potassium channels. This current activated when the membrane potential was hyperpolarized to values negative to the equilibrium potential for potassium and could be blocked by the external application of 1mM cesium chloride. A second depolarization activated outward current possesses characteristics similar to the delayed rectifier potassium current described on adult frog skeletal muscle preparations. This conductance activated upon membrane depolarizations positive to membrane potentials of -30mV and could be reduced by the external application of 50mM Tetraethylammonium. Kinetic and pharmacological properties of these currents have been examined.

Actions (login required)

View Item