ERG K⁺ channels mediate a major component of action potential repolarization in lymphatic muscle.

ABSTRACT: Smooth muscle cells in the walls of collecting lymphatic vessels fire spontaneous action potentials (APs), which conduct rapidly over the muscle layer to initiate contractions that propel lymph. Several ion channels have been implicated in the currents underlying the AP spike and the preceding diastolic depolarization, but the molecular identities of K⁺ channels involved in AP repolarization are unknown. Based on previous studies of other rhythmically active smooth muscles, we hypothesized that ether-a-go-go related gene (ERG) K⁺ channels (Kv11) play an important role in repolarization of the AP in lymphatic muscle. Message for one or more ERG channel isoforms was detected by RT-PCR analysis of lymphatic vessels from mice, rats and humans. Membrane potential recording

SUBMITTER: Kim HJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10492848 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature