Activation by methylene blue of large Ca2+-activated K+ channels

James D. Stockand, Steven C. Sansom

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Using the patch-clamp method, we found that methylene blue (MB), a free radical inhibitor of guanylyl cyclase, activated large, Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BK(Ca)) in either cell attached or excised, inside-out patches of human mesangial cells in culture. Since BK(Ca) are important feedback regulators of contraction of smooth muscle and mesangial cells, these results indicate that MB may be an important opener of BK(Ca) channels and a regulator of vascular volume and resistance.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)123-126
Number of pages4
JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta - Biomembranes
Volume1285
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 4 1996
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Methylene blue
  • Potassium ion

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology

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