Are stretch-sensitive channels in molluscan cells and elsewhere physiological mechanotransducers?
Single-channel recordings of dozens of cell types, including invertebrate (molluscan) and vertebrate heart cells, reveal stretch-sensitive ion channels. The physiological roles of these channels are undoubtedly diverse but it is usually assumed that the roles they play are related to the channels' mechanosensitive gating. Whether this assumption is valid remains to be seen. Attempts to connect the single-channel observations with the mechanical aspects of physiological or developmental processes are discussed. In the case of molluscan cells, recent work suggests that their stretch channels have physiological functions unrelated to mechanosensitive gating.
Morris
C E
CE
Neurosciences, Loeb Institute, Ottawa Civic Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
D000818:Animals; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology; D015640:Ion Channel Gating; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000502:physiology*; D008465:Mechanoreceptors / Q000502:physiology*; D008974:Mollusca / Q000502:physiology*; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance; D014982:Xenopus laevis / Q000196:embryology / Q000502:physiology
D007473:Ion Channels