title: Reciprocal regulation of K+ channels by Ca2+ in intact human T lymphocytes.
abstract: The requirement for increased [Ca2+]i during T cell activation is well established. In the present study, we have used the cell-attached configuration of the patch-clamp technique and Ca2+ spectrofluorometry to investigate the regulation of K+ channel activity by intracellular calcium [Ca2+]i in intact human T lymphocytes. The predominant ion current in resting human T cells is a voltage-dependent K+ current, K(V), which is susceptible to second-messenger regulation. We report here that K(V) channel activity is reversibly inhibited at all relevant membrane potentials by a rise in [Ca2+]i induced by Ca2+ ionophore or the mitogens, concanavalin A or phytohemagglutinin. Consistent with this Ca2+ dependence, lowering [Ca2+]i with Ca(2+)-depleted medium can induce K(V) channel activity in otherwise quiet patches. We have also found two Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels (K(Ca)), a 9 pS channel and an inwardly rectifying 11-25 pS channel, similar to those we found in rat thymic T cells and human B cells. The sensitivity of these K(Ca) channels to [Ca2+]i suggests reciprocal regulation with that of K(V) channels. A considerable lag between mitogen treatment and induction of 9 pS K(Ca) activity, the decrease in this channel's activity in the continued presence of high [Ca2+]i or upon patch excision, and the decreased sensitivity of K(V) to Ca2+i block in disrupted cells all argue for the involvement of intracellular factors. During [Ca2+]i-mediated inhibition of K(V) channels, the recruitment of distinct K(Ca) channels is likely to play a central role in maintaining cell hyperpolarization and a sustained driving force for Ca2+ influx during T-cell activation.
authors.affiliation: Playfair Neuroscience Unit, Toronto Hospital, Western Division, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Schlichter
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Pahapill
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Schumacher
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials / Q000187:drug effects; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D003208:Concanavalin A / Q000494:pharmacology; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007424:Intracellular Fluid / Q000378:metabolism; D015759:Ionomycin / Q000494:pharmacology; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins / Q000494:pharmacology; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D010835:Phytohemagglutinins; D015221:Potassium Channels; D003208:Concanavalin A; D015759:Ionomycin; D002118:Calcium