Swelling-induced K(+) fluxes in vascular smooth muscle cells are mediated by charybdotoxin-sensitive K(+) channels.

This study examines the relative contributions of K-Cl cotransport and K(+) channels to swelling-induced K(+) fluxes in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). DIOA known as a potent inhibitor of erythrocyte K-Cl cotransport exerts diverse side-effects on VSMC and can not be used to analyze the role of this carrier in swelling-induced K(+) fluxes. Other inhibitors of K-Cl cotransport (furosemide, okadaic acid and calyculin A) did not affect K(+) fluxes in VSMC triggered by swelling. Swelling-induced K(+) fluxes in VSMC were also not affected by K(+) channel blockers such as TEA, glibenclamide and apamin, but were blocked by Ba(2+) and charybdotoxin (ChTX), a potent inhibitor of Ca(2+)- and voltage-gated K(+) channels. Swelling-induced K(+) influx in VSMC was diminished in Ca(2+)-free medium and in cells loaded with Ca(2+) chelator BAPTA, but was not accompanied by detectable elevation of [Ca(2+)](i). In contrast to Ca(2+)-induced hyperpolarization of erythrocytes triggered by activation of intermediate conductance Ca(2+)-gated K(+) channels (IK(Ca)), neither clotrimazole nor calmodulin antagonists (R24571, trifluoroperazine, fluphenazine) affected swelling-induced K(+) influx in VSMC. In conclusion, K(+) fluxes triggered in swollen VSMC are mediated by Ba(2+)- and ChTX-sensitive K(+) channels. These channels are distinct from IK(Ca) expressed in erythrocytes. Their molecular origin and systems involved in the swelling-induced Ca(2+)(i)-independent signal transduction pathway need further investigation. Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel