Suppression of cell membrane permeability by suramin: involvement of its inhibitory actions on connexin 43 hemichannels.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Suramin is a clinically prescribed drug for treatment of human African trypanosomiasis, cancer and infection. It is also a well-known pharmacological antagonist of P2 purinoceptors. Despite its clinical use and use in research, the biological actions of this molecule are still incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the effects of suramin on membrane channels, as exemplified by its actions on non-junctional connexin43 (Cx43) hemichannels, pore-forming α-haemolysin and channels involved in ATP release under hypotonic conditions.

Experimental approach

Hemichannels were activated by removing extracellular Ca(2+) . The influences of suramin on hemichannel activities were evaluated by its effects on influx of fluorescent dyes and efflux of ATP. The m

SUBMITTER: Chi Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4105932 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature